Key facts
- Allies of Pete Hegseth are campaigning for a loyalist to be appointed Army secretary.
- Concerns exist within the administration regarding a nominee's past support for critics of Donald Trump.
- A political appointee who participated in the January 6th Capitol attack reportedly remains in place.
- The Senate is expected to scrutinize any nominee for the Army secretary position.
- Promotions within the Army may be delayed due to the leadership vacuum.
Allies of Fox News host Pete Hegseth are actively campaigning to ensure a loyalist is appointed as the next Army secretary, navigating internal administration concerns and potential Senate opposition. The process is complicated by questions surrounding a political appointee's alleged participation in the January 6th Capitol attack and the departure of senior leaders, including a former commander in Europe and Africa.
The administration official noted that a potential nominee, Adam Andersen, once supported critics of Donald Trump, such as former Representatives Barbara Comstock, Adam Kinzinger, and retiring Representative Don Bacon. However, another defense official stated that Andersen has not met or supported Bacon or Kinzinger, and that Andersen disclosed his past donations to Comstock to the White House during his nomination for his initial Army role.
The administration official also indicated that Andersen's confirmation would be "dead on arrival" in the Senate due to his alleged retention of a political appointee involved in the January 6th attack. This appointee, Elias Irizarry, had previously been praised by a Pentagon spokesperson, and Hegseth has not taken action against him since his hiring was reported in June.
Donald Trump has appointed Adam Telle, the Army's assistant secretary for civil works, to temporarily fill the top job. Any nominee is expected to face significant scrutiny from the Senate regarding Driscoll's departure and Hegseth's broader purge of senior leaders. Representative Don Bacon commented that the Senate will be tougher on nominees than in the past, suggesting they will not receive an easy confirmation.