The Independent: Trump transition live: Hegseth says no alcohol if confirmed after meeting with Republican lawmakers

[Dennis Donovan]

The Independent - Trump transition live: Pete Hegseth says no alcohol if confirmed after meeting with Republican lawmakers

President-elect’s pick for defense secretary dogged by allegations of sexual assault, drunkenness, Islamophobia and mismanagement of a non-profit, as Ron DeSantis floated as possible alternative

Oliver O'Connell, Mike Bedigan, Joe Sommerlad
Wednesday 04 December 2024 20:45 GMT

Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of defense, former Fox News weekend anchor Pete Hegseth, continues to be dogged by allegations about his past, potentially making his confirmation less likely and splitting right-wing media on his prospects as his candidacy faces an “absolutely critical day.”

Hegseth took questions from the House Republican Study Committee on Wednesday, and promised incoming Senate Armed Services Chair Roger Wicker that if confirmed he wouldn’t drink.

His mother Penelope appeared on his former network earlier to defend him, having previously criticized her son’s behavior towards women in a letter. The Trump transition team is reportedly considering alternatives to lead the Pentagon — surprisingly including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

Trump’s pick to serve as administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Sheriff Chad Chronister withdrew from consideration, although Trump has since said he pulled the nomination over comments he made to pastors.

/snip

He promises not to get drunk if they give him the job.

[Irish_Dem]

1. Did he also promise to stop raping women after he drugs them?

[no_hypocrisy]

2. "I can quit whenever I want to . . . . "

Common statement by alcoholics.

Trust me, you can't. You quit when you have to and that's with AA, Secular Sobriety, and/or a term of therapy.

[Grins]

17. Trust me to confirm what you posted!

I have known a couple alcoholics and they constantly lie.

[hatrack]

3. Oh, my, such a powerful pledge!!!

Let's just give him the job RIGHT NOW.

[Basso8vb]

4. He sounds just like an abusive partner.

What a liar.

[Ocelot II]

5. But it's fine to continue being a sex pest

and a lunatic-fringe Christian nationalist as long as he’s sober when he’s doing it, right?

[Walleye]

6. Ha!

[GusBob]

7. Wait wait wait, what?

He claimed the stories were not true!

[Jim__]

8. When was the last time he went, say, 3 straight months without drinking?

If he hasn't done that, how does he even know he can go 4 straight years without it? He doesn't.

Sorry, go practice sobriety on your own time. Secretary of Defense is too important a job.

[chicoescuela]

9. Sure. Just make him take a pee test daily before work. We'll see how long that lasts.

[ecstatic]

10. yeah, no that's not how it works

He's probably wasted as I type just due to the anticipation/pressure of not having a drink going forward. With alcoholics, it's all or nothing. There's no in between.

[Paladin]

11. Oh such bullshit.

And yes, I have family relatives who are alcoholics.

[Marie Marie]

13. Ditto that!

Anybody who is subjected to an alcoholic in their lives knows that when the alcohol flows, the bullshit grows. Followed by the outrage that any one dare question either their drinking or their veracity. He needs to go away and live his miserable life in private.

[struggle4progress]

12. "If yer onnerill jesh acquit me I promise I won't neva rob no more banks neva agin! Pinky swear!"

[ms liberty]

14. Sure you are, Petey. And being a dry drunk is just sooo much better!

[Prairie Gates]

15. LOL...aren't these Republican Senators embarrassed?

"Will you be a good boy? If you will be a good boy you can be in charge of the tankies and the bomby planes!"

"I will be the bestest boy!"

[WhiskeyGrinder]

16. lol this is straight-up addiction talk

[Jacson6]

18. Arthur Tells us how it is for alcoholics

Just sayin...

[kacekwl]

19. Oh and,

the check is in the mail.

[JHB]

20. Yeah, yeah, and Donnie said he wouldn't have time for golf before setting records for presidential golf time

Their words are worth nothing.

[muriel_volestrangler]

21. I just need this one job in charge of the world's most powerful military to get straight! I can do it, honest!

C'mon, I mean, with all those soldiers around, it's not like I'll have the chance to sexually assault anyone this time, is it? I could get through without committing a felony, I'm sure... That'd be damn impressive, wouldn't it? First time for me, anyway ...