WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) led a coalition of 32 military veterans serving in the U.S. House of Representatives in endorsing Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense.
The group sent a letter to Senate leadership expressing their strong support for Hegseth's nomination.
In the letter, the members note: "In an era of unprecedented global challenges, America demands defense leadership that breaks from conventional approaches. President-elect Trump has selected Mr. Hegseth to go beyond traditional bureaucratic management to fundamentally transform our national defense strategy and rebuild military capabilities."
The lawmakers emphasize Hegseth's unique qualifications, writing: "As a decorated combat veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns, he offers an authentic understanding of modern warfare. His Harvard and Princeton credentials, combined with battlefield experience, forged a rare intellect aligned with President-elect Trump's strategic vision, to bridge the gap between the beltway and frontline realities."
On military recruitment and readiness, the letter states: "Mr. Hegseth stands as a critical connector to the force of tomorrow. In an era of declining recruitment, he offers a compelling vision that speaks directly to potential service members – a return to a military focused on excellence and unwavering national defense."
Addressing the confirmation process, the members write: "Despite relentless media attempts to undermine Mr. Hegseth's nomination, we call on the Senate to honor its constitutional duty of advice and consent by conducting a fair, thorough confirmation process that evaluates his nomination solely on its substantive merits."
The letter was co-led by Representative Michael Waltz (FL-06) and signed by Barry Moore (AL-02), Elijah Crane (AZ-02), Cory Mills (FL-07), Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13), W. Gregory Steube (FL-17), C. Scott Franklin (FL-18), Brian J. Mast (FL-21), Rich McCormick (GA-06), Andrew S. Clyde (GA-09), Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), Zach Nunn (IA-03), Mike Bost (IL-12), Clay Higgins (LA-03), Trent Kelly (MS-01), Ryan K. Zinke (MT-01), Nick LaLota (NY-01), Brandon Williams (NY-22), Max L. Miller (OH-07), Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), William R. Timmons, IV (SC-04), Mark E. Green (TN-07), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Keith Self (TX-03), Jake Ellzey (TX-06), Morgan Luttrell (TX-08), Ronny L. Jackson (TX-13), Troy E. Nehls (TX-22), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), and Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05).
Read the full letter here or below:
Dear Majority Leader-elect Thune and Majority Leader Schumer,
We, the undersigned veterans of Congress, write to express our strong support for Mr. Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense. In an era of unprecedented global challenges, America demands defense leadership that breaks from conventional approaches. President-elect Trump has selected Mr. Hegseth to go beyond traditional bureaucratic management to fundamentally transform our national defense strategy and rebuild military capabilities.
His ability to communicate across institutional landscapes—with military leadership, congressional representatives, and frontline troops—will set him apart. His media expertise and transparent communication style will be crucial in executing a clear vision that cuts through bureaucratic inertia.
As a decorated combat veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns, he offers an authentic understanding of modern warfare. His Harvard and Princeton credentials, combined with battlefield experience, forged a rare intellect aligned with President-elect Trump's strategic vision, to bridge the gap between the beltway and frontline realities.
Mr. Hegseth stands as a critical connector to the force of tomorrow. In an era of declining recruitment, he offers a compelling vision that speaks directly to potential service members – a return to a military focused on excellence and unwavering national defense.
The current global security landscape demands a leader who understands the complexities of modern conflicts. Mr. Hegseth's singular focus on military lethality, coupled with deep knowledge of Defense and Veterans Affairs, positions him to create a more responsive and effectively prepared fighting force. The Heritage Foundation's recent assessment of our military strength as "weak" is an urgent call to action. Mr. Hegseth represents the strategic reset our defense infrastructure requires – an unorthodox yet qualified leader who can streamline the defense bureaucracy, accelerate modernization, and ensure America remains the world's most formidable military power.
Despite relentless media attempts to undermine Mr. Hegseth's nomination, we call on the Senate to honor its constitutional duty of advice and consent by conducting a fair, thorough confirmation process that evaluates his nomination solely on its substantive merits— his distinguished military service, academic credentials, and a bold vision for revitalizing our national defense. The integrity of our democratic institutions depends on allowing this critical process to proceed.
We earnestly support Mr. Hegseth's nomination as Secretary of Defense, confident he will transform President-elect Trump's vision into reality, safeguarding America's national security interests with courage, intellect, and unwavering commitment.
Sincerely,
[Signatures of all 32 Members of Congress]
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