Amid allegations of misconduct and binge drinking, Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to serve as Defense secretary, has made a surprise pledge to help ensure he gets the job.

In a bid to quell controversies surrounding his nomination, Hegseth has promised to give up alcohol if confirmed to lead the Pentagon, as the Daily Mail reports.

Hegseth has faced significant scrutiny due to allegations of past behavior, which include claims related to binge drinking and inappropriate conduct towards women.

These allegations have cast a shadow over his quest to lead the Pentagon, an organization with over 2 million personnel and a budget of $800 billion.

Trump Stands Firm Behind Hegseth's Nomination

In the wake of these allegations, Trump has continued to support Hegseth, emphasizing his faith in the former Fox News personality's leadership abilities.

Trump encouraged Hegseth to personally meet with senators, assuring him of his backing throughout the confirmation process.

Hegseth, during an interview on The Megyn Kelly Show, expressed his commitment to remaining alcohol-free during his tenure, if confirmed.

This pledge comes as Hegseth attempts to navigate the challenges posed by the allegations and secure Senate approval.

Reports have also emerged about Hegseth's personal struggles with alcohol, which he discussed openly on Kelly's podcast. He described his use of alcohol as a coping mechanism for dealing with the traumas experienced during his military service.

Senate's Reaction to Hegseth's Confirmation Battle

The Senate, responsible for confirming Cabinet nominees, has shown a varied response to Hegseth's nomination. While some, such as Sen. Roger Wicker, believe that Hegseth's issues are surmountable, others, such as Sen. Lisa Murkowski, demand thorough clarification on the allegations reported by the media.

Sen. Cynthia Lummis has scheduled a meeting with Hegseth to discuss his qualifications and the concerns raised against him. This meeting is part of a broader series of engagements Hegseth has planned with several senators to bolster his case for confirmation.

Meanwhile, other rumored potential candidates for the position, such as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, have been considered. Ernst, noted for her military service and advocacy against sexual assault in the military, has been highlighted as a strong contender should Trump decide to change his nomination.

Controversies Surround Hegseth's Previous Conduct

Details from Hegseth's personal life have also surfaced, adding to the controversy. A report from the New York Times included a particularly damning email from Hegseth's mother, written after his second divorce, accusing him of being a habitual cheater and mistreating women.

Hegseth has also made headlines for his views on women in combat, explicitly stating his belief that women do not belong in combat roles, a stance that has added to the debates over his nomination.

Despite these controversies, Hegseth maintains that he has undergone significant personal growth over the past decade, attributing much of his change to his faith and family. He remarked on his evolution as a person and his readiness to take on what he described as "the biggest deployment of my life."

Hegseth's Commitment to Change and Confirmation Hopes

In his own words, Hegseth promised on The Megyn Kelly Show that there would not be "a drop of alcohol on my lips" while he serves, should he be confirmed. This statement is part of his broader effort to present himself as reformed and fully prepared for the demands of the role.

Ernst, after meeting Hegseth, acknowledged their shared service background and described their discussion as both "frank and thorough." Sen. Josh Hawley praised Ernst's qualifications, hinting at the complex dynamics within the Senate regarding the confirmation.

The coming weeks are critical for Hegseth as he meets with more senators to discuss his vision for the Department of Defense and address the allegations against him. The outcome of these meetings could very well determine the success of his confirmation.