Road to 47 - January 14, 2025 | News | Donald J. TrumpTEXT TRUMP TO 88022!Skip to main contentContributeShopPlatformNewsEventsGet InvolvedTrump Force 47Protect The VoteContributeShopBack to NewsRoad to 47 - January 14, 2025January 14, 2025FacebookTwitterJanuary 14, 2025Contact: Tommy Pigott and Eric Leyden, Team Trump“WARRIOR ETHOS” – Today, in his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services, Pete Hegseth showed the American people why President Trump nominated him as our next Secretary of Defense. Despite disgusting and unhinged lines of questioning from committee Democrats, Hegseth's intellect, passion, professionalism, and love of country were on full display.Team Trump Rapid Response has what you missed:Hegseth dismantled the coordinated smear campaign against him: “A small handful of anonymous sources were allowed to drive a smear campaign and agenda about me because our left-wing media in America today, sadly, doesn't care about the truth. All they were out to do, Mr. Chairman, was to destroy me. And why do they want to destroy me? Because I'm a change agent and a threat to them.”Hegseth decried the lack of accountability for Biden's botched Afghanistan withdrawal: “There has been NO accountability for the disaster of the withdrawal in Afghanistan – and that's precisely why we're here today... Leadership has been unwilling to take accountability and it's time to restore that to our most senior ranks.”Hegseth outlined his mission to restore the “Warrior Ethos” to the Pentagon: “In doing so, we will reestablish trust in our military.”Hegseth crystalized the incoming Trump administration's focus: “[President Trump], like me, wants a Pentagon laser focused on lethality, meritocracy, war fighting, accountability and readiness.”Hegseth addressed his qualifications: “It is true that I don't have a similar biography to defense secretaries of the last 30 years... We've repeatedly placed people atop the Pentagon with supposedly 'the right credentials' — whether they are retired generals, academics, or defense contractor executives, and where has it gotten us?”Hegseth blasted political Pentagon leadership: “Politics has nothing to do with the battlefield, which is why President Trump has asked me to say, 'Let's make sure all of that comes out.' This is about warfighting capability, setting standards high, and making sure we give our men and women everything they need to be successful on the battlefield.”Hegseth repeatedly emphasized the importance of high standards: “Ensuring that standards are equal and high is of importance to [President Trump] and of great importance to me — because in those ground combat roles, what is true is that the weight of the ruck on your back doesn't change.”Hegseth directly addressed women who serve in the military: “I'm incredibly grateful for the two women who've served our military in uniform [on the committee]... When I'm talking about that issue, it's not about the capabilities of men and women, it's about standards... standards that we, unfortunately over time, have seen eroded in certain duty positions, in certain schools, in certain places.”Hegseth pledged to reinstate service members unfairly dismissed for refusing the COVID vaccine: “In President Trump's Defense Department, they will be apologized to, they will be reinstituted with pay and rank.”Hegseth emphasized the strategic importance of fiscal responsibility: “An audit is an issue of national security, and frankly respect to American taxpayers, who give $850 billion over to the Defense Department and expect that we know where that money goes... I think previous Secretaries of Defense, with all due respect, haven't necessarily emphasized the strategic prerogative of an audit.”Hegseth described President Trump's support for military: “Our warfighters understand what commander-in-chief they're going to get with President Trump: someone who stands behind them, someone who gives them clear missions, someone who ends wars decisively.”Click here to read more or to share.CONFIRM PETE HEGSETH – There's a reason Pete Hegseth has earned broad support across Capitol Hill and beyond. Hegseth is a decorated veteran who served tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and guard at Guantanamo Bay – and was awarded two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman Badge for his service. He has two Ivy League degrees and has spent his career advocating on behalf of veterans.Team Trump Rapid Response has the rundown on what they're saying:Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY): “Pete Hegseth is a strong nominee to lead the Department of Defense. We had an excellent discussion about the need for America's military to remain the best in the world. That means taking care of our service members, equipping them with the latest technology, and focusing on making our military the most lethal force on the planet. Pete pledged that the Pentagon will focus on strength and hard power – not the current administration's woke political agenda.”Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK): “I think he's perfect. He's a decorated combat veteran. He's got two Bronze Stars, 20 years in service… The guy is a solid, solid individual. He's the right man for the job.”Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA): “I think he is going to be a very strong secretary of defense.”Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN): “Pete is a warrior, an advocate for veterans, and a well qualified nominee. He will put our enemies on notice and make our military great again.”Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS): “I think he's going to be in pretty good shape.”Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN): “I had an outstanding meeting with Pete Hegseth, a decorated combat veteran who put his own life on the line for America. Pete knows that the Defense Secretary’s job is to empower the men and women of our military to carry out their patriotic duty, not consign them to serve as political pawns in a broken Washington. A great choice by @realDonaldTrump to change Washington, and I look forward to supporting his confirmation.”Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL): “Pete is 100% committed to building a lethal military that's feared by our enemies & respected by our allies, while doing more to take care of those who serve our nation & their families. He will do a great job leading the @DeptofDefense.”Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC): “[Hegseth is] an impressive individual… I'm certainly going to support President Trump and his agenda and his nominees.”Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL): “At Defense, [President Trump] tapped Pete Hegseth, a veteran who served two tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. His Ivy League-educated, businessman background – that's what we need in the Pentagon right now.”Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND): “I think he's great.”Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS): “Pete Hegseth has my full-throated support… He will be a transformational figure.”Sen. Jim Banks (R-IN): “I fully support Pete Hegseth. He is eminently more qualified than Secretary Austin… who disappeared on the job, who instructed the disastrous, deadly withdrawal of Afghanistan, and created a woke political mess at the Pentagon that Pete is going to clean up.”Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD): “I think his focus on what he wants to do with the Department of Defense is the right one ... bringing back the lethal approach ... and getting rid of all the DEI crap.”Speaker Mike Johnson: “Pete brings a lot to the table. He's got experience, and I think he'll be reform-minded in the areas that need reform.”And it's not just on Capitol Hill. Those who served with Hegseth say he's the man for the job:Derek McCall: “…the Department of Defense needs a proven leader. It needs someone who has a deep understanding of service, sacrifice, and the American warrior spirit. Pete Hegseth is exactly the man for the job.”Eric Geressy: “He breathes the military. That’s all he talks about. Pete's extremely smart. He’s very articulate, he’s a critical thinker, and he’s going to learn from the experts and get a lot of good information from folks.”Chip Rankin: “He was going through a vehicle that got blown up, and there were dead people, people that were fighting through our lives. And Pete went right into that situation, and performed admirably in a very, very challenging situation… He could have been killed, and he never hesitated.”Jurandir “J” Araujo: “I immediately noticed his dedication and commitment to the mission, and not only to the mission but to his men.”Click here for more information or to share, and see even more reasons to confirm Pete Hegseth in the “must reads” section below.THE INAUGURATION SCHEDULE – Yesterday, the Trump Vance Inaugural Committee released the schedule of official events for the 60th Presidential Inauguration!In the words of Trump Vance Inaugural Committee, Inc. Co-Chairs Steve Witkoff and Kelly Loeffler, “President Trump is dedicated to uniting the country through the strength, security, and opportunity of his America First agenda. The 2025 inaugural celebrations will reflect President-elect Trump’s historic return to the White House and the American people’s decisive vote to Make America Great Again.”The four-day schedule of inaugural events is extensive, and includes a fireworks display, several dinners honoring the President-elect, Vice-President-elect, and cabinet secretaries, a MAGA Victory Rally to recognize the American people, the historic swearing-in, the inaugural parade, and three inaugural balls.In case you missed the press release, check out the schedule of events for the 60th Presidential Inaugural below:Saturday, January 18, 2025 The President’s Reception and Fireworks at Trump Sterling Cabinet Reception and Vice President’s Dinner Sunday, January 19, 2025 Arlington National Cemetery Ceremony Wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown SoldierMake America Great Again Victory Rally President Donald J. Trump Delivers RemarksCandlelight Dinner President Donald J. Trump Delivers RemarksMonday, January 20, 2025 St. John’s Church Service Tea at the White House Swearing-In Ceremony US CapitolFarewell to the Former President and Vice President US Capitol Departure Ceremony The President’s Signing Room Ceremony JCCIC Congressional Luncheon The President’s Review of the Troops Presidential Parade Pennsylvania Avenue Oval Office Signing Ceremony at The White House Commander in Chief Ball President Donald J. Trump Delivers Remarks Liberty Inaugural Ball President Donald J. Trump Delivers Remarks Starlight Ball President Donald J. Trump Delivers Remarks Tuesday, January 21, 2025 National Prayer Service Tickets and more information can be found at the PIC website at t47inaugural.com. Make America Great Again!STAR-STUDDED LINEUP – Some big names are going to be performing at the inaugural festivities in just a few days.Some of the names? Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, the Village People, and Kid Rock to name a few.Of course, the real stars are the everyday Americans who are powering the MAGA movement, many of whom will take part in the inauguration parade, including marching bands and first responders from across the country.History is in the making. You don’t want to miss it!EXTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE – President Trump announced today that he will create the External Revenue Service when he is inaugurated. Read his statement here:“AMERICA’S SECURITY DEPENDS ON IT” – Sen. Eric Schmitt penned an op-ed on why “it’s time to confirm Pete Hegseth.”Some highlights:“With the experience of having served in combat, Pete understands the harsh realities of war and knows which reforms are necessary to reduce its human and financial toll. The American people are exhausted with empty promises and ineffective leadership, and Pete’s sacrifice and service exemplify the commitment and vision America desperately needs.”“I fully support Pete’s nomination to lead the Department of Defense. Pete will restore the Pentagon’s standing as one of the world’s most respected institutions and resolve its longstanding procurement issues. Pete is also committed to eliminating dangerous and costly ‘wokeness’ from our military institutions while restoring strength, trust, and respect – values I strongly support.”“There is frankly no one better to lead our military and veterans. More than 100 Navy SEAL veterans support Pete’s nomination. His two decades of military service, two Bronze Stars, Ivy League education, and outspoken advocacy for military reform make him uniquely qualified. Why would some Senate members want to delay the confirmation of a man with over 20 years of distinguished military service? How could anyone oppose a two-Bronze Star-decorated Army Combat Veteran, an Ivy League graduate, and a passionate advocate for military reform?”“Pete Hegseth understands our military cannot be some grand social experiment. Serving the United States needs to be the core mission of our armed forces first and foremost, not being pawns in cultural battles. Toxic ideologies like Critical Race Theory have unnecessarily overshadowed military readiness and capability, sowing division when unity is needed most.”“Confirming Pete Hegseth means safeguarding America’s sovereignty and American lives – on our soil, on our terms – not surrendering to the whims of our enemies. This decision isn’t just about today; it’s about securing a stronger, safer future of America for generations to come.”Read the full op-ed here.“A GOOD MAN, FATHER, FRIEND AND PATRIOT” – Women who have worked and known Pete Hegseth are rallying behind his nomination for Secretary of Defense.Here’s some of what they have to say:Mary Vought, who worked alongside Hegseth at Concerned Veterans for America: “I worked closely with Pete Hegseth at Concerned Veterans for America and traveled with him for media outreach. When you’re a woman in a field dominated by men, sometimes you get treated differently, but Pete never did that. During our time working together, he always conducted business with the utmost professionalism and respect.”Gold Star mother Karen Vaughn, mother of SOC Aaron Vaughn: “In a world of duplicity, it’s rare to find a soul as sincere… as profoundly genuine as Pete. When you are blessed enough to honestly know him, you know the truth about him. His word is his bond. He’s a man of integrity, a patriot who dearly loves his country, but most importantly, a man who truly loves people.Rachel Campos Duffy: “[Hegseth is a] good man, father, friend and patriot… He is also the best colleague you could wish for in my profession – the rare person who is always kind, generous, loyal and self-sacrificing…He will make America proud.”Concerned Veterans for America’s Tina R. Kingston, LTC(R): “After working for and with Pete Hegseth for two years, I feel that I can testify to his work ethic, patriotism to our Great Nation, leadership, and his character…It was a pleasure to have worked for Pete and I wish him success when he is confirmed as the Department of Defense Secretary.”Holly K. Talley, former local director in Louisiana for Concerned Veterans for America: “He was the very definition of a leader, a gentleman and had a clear passion for effecting change for our nation’s heroes and warfighters. He was not just another walking talking point that lacked substance. He was a genuine leader that was walking the walk.”Judy Mayka, a former colleague of Hegseth at Vets for Freedom: “[Hegseth is] transparent, ethical, fair and fostered an environment of respect among the team regardless of race, gender or background.”Read the full report here.THE COMBAT VETERANS’ CHOICE – A new op-ed describes why Pete Hegseth is the “combat veterans’ choice” for Secretary of Defense.From the op-ed:“When President-elect Donald Trump secured a second and final term, he promised to transform Washington and deconstruct the bureaucratic state that fosters inefficiency and mediocrity. The nomination of Pete Hegseth to serve as the next secretary of defense does just that.”“As a military combat veteran, a strong advocate for combat veterans, and a transformative leader, Mr. Hegseth possesses the skills, vision, and experience needed to guide the Department of Defense through a critical time in our nation’s security landscape.”“Mr. Hegseth is a natural fit for the role of secretary of defense. His military experience, advocacy for veterans, and transformational leadership are qualities that will serve the Department of Defense—and the nation—well. Having worked with him personally, I have no doubt that he will approach the role with the same dedication and integrity he has shown throughout his career. He understands the importance of maintaining a strong military, supporting our veterans, and ensuring that the United States remains a global leader in defense.”“His confirmation as secretary of defense is not just a logical choice; it is the right one for the future of our armed forces and our country.”Read the full op-ed here.“LETHALITY, MERITOCRACY, WAR FIGHTING, ACCOUNTABILITY AND READINESS.” – Missed today’s hearing with Pete Hegseth? See a few highlights below.MAKE AMERICA WEALTHY AGAIN! – In just a few days, President Trump will implement his plan to unleash the American economy! Watch the video here.SMALL BUSINESS OPTIMISM – Small businesses are excited about President Trump’s plan to get the American economy back on track. That’s per a new survey from the National Federation of Independent Business, which showed that optimism has skyrocketed to a 6-year high after President Trump’s election.Fox Business highlighted some key findings from the survey.“The National Federation of Independent Business' (NFIB) latest Small Business Optimism Index jumped 3.4 points to 105.1 in December, the highest reading since October 2018.”“In the NFIB's latest survey, the net percent of owners expecting the economy to improve rose 16 points from November to a seasonally adjusted 52%, the highest since the fourth quarter of 1983.”“The percent of small business owners believing it is a good time to expand their business also climbed, rising six points to a seasonally-adjusted 20%, which is the highest reading since February 2020.”“The net percent of owners expecting higher real sales volumes rose eight points to a net 22%, which is the highest reading since January 2020.”That’s the Trump Effect! Make America Wealthy Again! 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