DNC Official Stuns Fellow Dems With What She Says About Pete Hegseth [WATCH]

Lindy Li, a Democratic National Committee finance committee member and political strategist, unexpectedly defended President-elect Donald Trump’s Defense Secretary nominee, Pete Hegseth, during an appearance on NewsNation.

Li’s remarks come as Hegseth faces criticism and allegations from both sides of the political aisle.

During an appearance on Morning in America, Li expressed her personal support for Hegseth despite opposition from her party. “I think you were maybe looking for someone to oppose his nomination, but I’ve had personal interactions with—because I’ve been on Fox & Friends—I’ve met Pete, he’s my fellow Princetonian. I actually think he’s a pretty good guy,” Li told host Markie Martin.

Celebrate Trump’s Historic 2024 Victory with the Exclusive Trump 47th President Collection!

Her statement prompted surprise from Martin, who responded, “Wow, I was not expecting this from you, Lindy.”

Li replied, “I know, but fair is fair, right? I’m not here to gaslight anybody. I’m just here to present the facts as I know it.”

She acknowledged the controversy surrounding Hegseth’s nomination, adding, “He’s definitely a fighter. As he told Megyn Kelly, he said Trump told him to be ‘tough as blank,’ and he’s certainly that way.”

Hegseth, a War on Terror veteran and former Fox News contributor has been defending himself against unsubstantiated allegations of sexual misconduct and claims of on-air intoxication during his time at Fox News.

Both allegations have been strongly denied, with multiple Fox News employees calling the accusations “bull**it.”

Your story is horseshit @NBCNews. Put my name on it. On the record. It’ll be your only on the record source.
Signed,
The guy who sat next to him for 8 hours every week for five years starting at 6am.

— Will Cain (@willcain) December 3, 2024

The controversy has led several Republican senators, including Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC), to express concerns about Hegseth’s nomination.

Ernst has reportedly urged President-elect Trump to withdraw Hegseth’s nomination, allegedly lobbying for the role herself.

According to The Federalist, Ernst has threatened to rally female senators to oppose Hegseth during confirmation hearings if her demands are not met.

Li described Ernst as the “lynchpin” in determining the outcome of Hegseth’s confirmation.

“This has never happened before when a nominee’s mom is going there to make the case for her son to say that he’s different, he’s changed, he’s committed to his family, he’s doubled down on his faith,” Li added. “I think we should maybe extend a little bit of grace.”

Hegseth has remained steadfast, telling reporters on Capitol Hill that he will continue to push for confirmation as long as he has President-elect Trump’s support.

“I’m proud of what I fought for. I’m not going to back down from them one bit. I will answer all of these senators’ questions. But this will not be a process tried in the media,” Hegseth said.

He emphasized his commitment to the role, stating, “I answer to President Trump, who received 76 million votes on his behalf and a mandate for change. I answer to the 50, the 100 senators who are part of this process and those in the committee, and I answer to my Lord and Savior. And my wife and my family.”

HOLY SH*T

Pete Hegseth just excoriated the media and says he doesn’t answer to them. Bravo.

“This will NOT be a [confirmation] process tried in media. I don’t answer to ANY one in this group – none of you. Not to that camera.”

“I answer to President Trump, who received 76… pic.twitter.com/8DI1HpVekI

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) December 5, 2024

President-elect Trump has consistently backed Hegseth throughout the confirmation battle.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump urged Hegseth to continue fighting.

“Pete Hegseth is doing very well. His support is strong and deep, much more so than the Fake News would have you believe,” Trump wrote. “He was a great student – Princeton/Harvard educated – with a Military state of mind. He will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense, one who leads with charisma and skill. Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!”

Pete Hegseth is doing very well. His support is strong and deep, much more so than the Fake News would have you believe. He was a great student – Princeton/Harvard educated – with a Military state of mind. He will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense Defense, one who…

— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) December 6, 2024

As confirmation hearings approach, Hegseth’s nomination remains contentious.

Despite opposition, his determination and support from President-elect Trump signal that the fight over the Defense Secretary position is far from over.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.