According to a report, John Thune, the new Senate Majority leader, told Donald Trump that he believes Pete Hegseth will be confirmed as Secretary of Defense by the Senate.

Three sources told CBS News Thune told Trump privately that he “believes” Hegseth will “have the votes” to be confirmed Secretary of Defense.

A spokesman from Thune told the outlet there were “two things” which are not discussed publicly: “Whip count and private conversations with President.”

Hegseth was the target of several smear campaign since Trump announced that he would nominate Hegseth as Secretary for Defense.

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According to Breitbart’s Kristina Woong, one of his smears was based on a claim that his tattoos were “linked to white supremacy,” when in fact they are “related to Christian faith” and not white nationalism. Another smear focused around a “report from 2017 allegations” by a woman who claimed Hegseth “raped” her.

Hegseth was also smeared after Hegseth’s mother sent an angry email to the New York Times accusing Hegseth of “mistreating women”. Hegseth’s mother apologized later for what she wrote. A second smear was based on allegations from 10 years ago, when fired employees at Concerned Veterans for America wrote a document complaining of the leadership. They claimed Hegseth had “drunk too much” at holiday parties and events after work.

Hegseth’s confirmation hearing is scheduled for January 14, according to Sen. Roger Wicker, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.