Trump continues to back Hegseth as Defense secretary nominee: 'He will be a fantastic, high energy'

President-elect Donald Trump on Friday expressed his continued support on Friday for Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth in his bid to win Senate confirmation, amid allegations of sexual assault, alcohol abuse and financial mismanagement. 

"Pete Hegseth is doing very well," Trump posted on social media, as his nominee, a military veteran, meets with Republican senators on Capitol Hill to try to convince them he's fit and qualified to lead the U.S. military. 

"He will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense Defense, one who leads with charisma and skill. Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!"

Hegseth, if he continues in the process, will be vetted in Senate Armed Services Committee hearings. Historically, if a committee gives a nominee a "favorable report," the nomination will go to a full Senate vote in which members go along with the committee's recommendation and votes in favor of the nomination.