By Charles Young, The Exponent Telegram
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice on Wednesday expressed support for President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Pentagon.
Even as media reports indicated Trump was considering replacing Pete Hegseth with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Justice said he hopes the former Fox News contributor will be confirmed as secretary of defense.
Hegseth, a former Army National Guard officer who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, faces multiple allegations of past personal misconduct including sexual assault.
Justice, who will be sworn in as the state’s U.S. senator next month, said he didn’t know the “play-by-play” and “all the specifics” regarding the allegations against Hegseth.
“I know he’s got some tough stuff in his closet and everything, but really and truly, I’m telling you, Pete is a good man,” the governor said. “I know him. I know him well. He’s a patriot through and through, and I hope he gets across the finish line.”
