Report: Democrats Likely to Delay Defense Secretary Nominee Pete Hegseth’s Confirmation

Democrats are likely to delay the confirmation of Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth until after President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday, leaving the Pentagon without a confirmed leader, according to Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS).

Wicker told Politico Thursday that although Hegseth has the votes to be confirmed as defense secretary, Democrats are likely to drag it out as long as possible, until as late as Thursday.

“I expect our Democratic friends will delay it to the extent to which they are free to do under the rules. Wednesday, Thursday perhaps,” Wicker told the outlet.