Alyssa Farah Griffin, who previously served as a White House official under former President Trump, commented on the implications of Matt Gaetz withdrawing as a nominee for attorney general, suggesting it would intensify scrutiny of Pete Hegseth’s selection to head the Department of Defense.
Speaking on CNN’s “The Lead with Jake Tapper,” Farah Griffin noted that Trump harbors genuine affection for Hegseth but criticized the choice, describing him as “profoundly unqualified” for such a critical role.
She pointed out that while Trump personally chose Hegseth, Republican senators on key committees, such as Armed Services and Intelligence, are likely to scrutinize his qualifications for managing national security matters seriously.
Hegseth, if confirmed, would oversee military operations spanning 160 countries, handle a trillion-dollar budget, and play a central role in advising the president on military deployments. Farah Griffin emphasized that Hegseth’s lack of experience in such a demanding position, coupled with Gaetz’s exit from consideration, leaves him facing steep odds for confirmation.
Concerns about Hegseth’s ethical qualifications have also emerged among GOP leaders, particularly after reports surfaced involving sexual assault allegations. Senator Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, referencing efforts by lawmakers like Kirsten Gillibrand and Joni Ernst to address sexual assault issues in the military, remarked that such accusations are deeply troubling.
Farah Griffin suggested an alternative path for Trump, proposing the selection of a woman with combat experience to lead the Department of Defense. She described this as both a historic and unifying choice.
Senator Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut criticized the nomination, stating that it was poorly vetted and doomed to fail from the outset. He expressed strong opposition, echoing concerns voiced by others in the Capitol.