Stef Kight

"I don't think it's going anywhere," one senator told Axios about Hegseth's nomination chances.

"He's clearly committed to making sure we have a lethal military that scares the crap out of our enemies."

Trump and his GOP Congressional leaders are raring to go.

"I do know Kash, and that's why I think he's going to be great."

Having regular phone calls with Trump ranks high on that list.

It's Thune's first big moment since being elected to serve as the next GOP leader.

Thune can afford to lose three Senate GOP votes on Trump nominees.

"I hope that's exactly who DeSantis picks," he said.

Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) also said she would back the conservative dark horse.

"She just got off a historic win."