Democrats weren’t expecting this at all. This has severely thrown a wrench in their plans.
And Senate Democrats were handed a letter from the FBI that turned them white as a ghost.
According to a report on Monday, Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth’s FBI background check has come back as “unremarkable.” The report, delivered late last week, provides little ammunition for Democrats who have spent weeks opposing Hegseth’s nomination.
Punchbowl News revealed that the FBI report was sent to committee leaders, Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MI) and Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-RI). The outlet noted: “Sens. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Jack Reed (D-R.I.) — the chair and ranking member, respectively — are the only committee members who have viewed Hegseth’s FBI file, which was delivered to the panel late last week. Republicans on SASC who have been briefed say that the report is unremarkable.”
Despite whispers from Democrats suggesting potential issues with Hegseth’s background, the report appears to have quashed those concerns. Hegseth himself welcomed the scrutiny, expressing confidence in the process amid smear campaigns circulated by the mainstream media.
WATCH: @PeteHegseth dismantles the coordinated smear campaign against him pic.twitter.com/pyizoWSIRO
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) January 14, 2025
An adviser to Hegseth dryly remarked, “All of the Dems’ hopes and dreams crushed with one word.”
Punchbowl News this AM: Pete Hegseth’s FBI background check is “unremarkable.” All of the Dems’ hopes and dreams crushed with one word. pic.twitter.com/4tEH1mDHu6
— Arthur Schwartz (@ArthurSchwartz) January 13, 2025
Democratic senators have been vocal in their opposition, citing allegations of s*xual misconduct, financial mismanagement of veterans’ organizations, and excessive drinking—claims sourced anonymously through media outlets.
However, dozens of Hegseth’s former colleagues, along with veterans and military leaders, have refuted these allegations publicly. They point out that no individual has come forward to substantiate the claims, which they say lack credibility.
Support for Hegseth remains strong among veterans, particularly those connected to his work at Fox News and veterans’ organizations.
Democrats’ Efforts to Stall Trump Nominees
Hegseth’s nomination is just the latest example of Democrats’ attempts to derail President Trump’s cabinet picks. Using procedural tactics, public opposition, and media campaigns, Democratic senators have sought to slow the pace of confirmations and generate negative publicity for Trump’s administration.
Their strategy often hinges on amplifying concerns about nominees’ backgrounds, with a heavy reliance on anonymous sources and media leaks to create controversy. In Hegseth’s case, this playbook has been on full display, as unverified claims were disseminated to cast doubt on his fitness for the role.
Beyond Hegseth, Democrats have targeted other high-profile Trump nominees in an effort to undermine the administration’s ability to execute its agenda.
Delays in the confirmation of key cabinet members and agency leaders could disrupt the president’s ability to fill critical roles, slowing policy implementation and creating additional hurdles for the administration.
Republicans, however, argue that these tactics are more about political theater than genuine oversight.
Despite these efforts, Trump’s nominees will likely have a good chance at overcoming opposition, thanks to Republican control of the Senate and strong public support from their respective constituencies.
The continued political wrangling, however, underscores the deep partisan divide in Washington and the high stakes of Trump’s second-term agenda.
Stay tuned to the Conservative Column.
