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Pennsylvania’s Democratic Sen. John Fetterman on Wednesday said that he would meet with President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, on Thursday.

Trump nominated Hegseth, a former Fox anchor and military veteran, to lead the Pentagon last month. But the nominee could face trouble in the confirmation process because of allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman years ago, and has a heavy drinking problem. 

The Pennsylvania Democrat, who is largely considered a political outsider, said he has not ruled out confirming Hegseth as Defense Secretary.

“He could theoretically become the head of the Defense Department,” Fetterman told Politico. “I’ve discovered in my time in D.C. that that’s important. And, ‘Are you having a conversation with someone?’ I don’t know why that’s shocking.”

Fetterman added that he “looks forward” to the conversation, but did not provide any additional information on what time the meeting would take place. 

The comment comes after Hegseth met with Maine GOP Sen. Susan Collins for over an hour on Wednesday. Collins is considered a swing-vote for the nomination, and said she would make her decision after an FBI background check comes through.

“I asked virtually every question under the sun,” Collins told reporters of the meeting. “I obviously always wait until we have an FBI background check and one is underway in the case of Mr. Hegseth. And I wait to see the committee hearing before reaching a final decision.”

Collins will chair the Senate Appropriations Committee for the 119th Congress.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.