Austin News

U.S. Senator John Cornyn of Texas has expressed his support for Pete Hegseth, the nominee for U.S. Secretary of Defense. Hegseth's confirmation hearing took place in the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee following his nomination by President-Elect Trump.

Cornyn stated, "I’ve known Pete Hegseth for more than ten years, and he’s been a leader in fighting for his fellow veterans here in the halls of Congress." He emphasized that Hegseth would focus on enhancing warfighting capabilities and deterrence rather than social policies within the Pentagon. Cornyn added, "The ultimate goal of the Department of Defense is to prevent wars, and the only way you do that is by peace through strength."

Despite acknowledging the challenges Hegseth and his family might face during this process, Cornyn affirmed his support: "I will support Pete Hegseth. This is a hard process on him and his family, and some of it will be enormously unfair, but I respect his willingness to serve the nation and the military that he has devoted a large percentage of his life to."

Cornyn also highlighted the need for change within the Pentagon, stating, "The Pentagon needs shaking up from the dangerous status quo, and I’m confident Pete will do just that."