‘He is a Backstabber!’ Trump Supporters React Angrily to Reports About Hegseth’s DOD Nomination
(AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)
A late-night post on Donald Trump’s Truth Social platform, suggesting that Fox News personality Pete Hegseth could be ousted from consideration for Secretary of Defense, sparked a wave of fury among the president-elect’s supporters. The backlash came after reports emerged from both the Wall Street Journal and The Bulwark detailing Hegseth’s alleged drinking problems, both during his time at Fox News and while heading various veterans organizations.
These reports prompted speculation that Trump might be considering Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as a replacement for Hegseth. Sources indicated that Trump had been in talks with DeSantis about the potential shift in the nomination, a move that could solidify the governor’s position within the administration.
However, DeSantis’ involvement in the Trump administration is not a welcome prospect for many of the president-elect’s supporters. Despite Trump’s apparent reconciliation with the Florida governor, MAGA loyalists remain deeply distrustful of DeSantis, especially after his bid for the 2024 presidential nomination.
On Truth Social, many users voiced their anger and concern, alleging that the reports about Hegseth were part of a wider plot orchestrated by the “deep state” to install DeSantis, whom they described as a “Republican In Name Only” (RINO), into Trump’s Cabinet.
One Truth Social user, FreedomBarbie, questioned the authenticity of the reports, writing, “Who’s leaking this? It may be true, but we haven’t heard it from DJT. Grain of salt. Still, there should be no more caving to RINOs and Democrats. DJT should get his picks. We didn’t fight fight fight! To cave cave cave.”
Another user, Ultra tinilovesfamily, strongly opposed the idea of DeSantis joining the administration, calling him a “backstabber” unworthy of Trump’s trust. “He is a Backstabber! I would not trust him with a 10-foot pole!” they fumed.
Some MAGA supporters also raised suspicions about the allegations against Hegseth, with one Truth Social user, Adliig, remarking, “No charges and others flat out saying the drunkenness charges are a lie. Would not surprise me if this is another deep-state, RINO operation.”
Others threatened retribution for any Senate Republicans who might block Hegseth’s confirmation, including a user named sash007, who wrote, “The six Rinos better vote to confirm Pete or they will get Primaried and replaced.”
The backlash highlights the deep divisions within Trump’s base, with some staunch supporters accusing those in his circle of disloyalty. As speculation about Hegseth’s future as Defense Secretary grows, the tension surrounding his nomination is only intensifying.
