Donald Trump’s embattled nominee to lead the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth, has hit out amid reports the president-elect is considering dropping him.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump was rethinking his decision and may instead appoint Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

Hegseth’s nomination has run into trouble on Capitol Hill as allegations surfaced about his personal and professional life, including alleged sexual assault and heavy drinking at work events.

Trump allies increasingly think Hegseth might not survive further scrutiny, the Journal reported, citing people familiar with the discussions.

Hegseth, a military veteran and former Fox News host, would need the support of Senate Republicans to win confirmation to the post.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said allegations against Hegseth were “very disturbing”.

“He obviously has a chance to defend himself here, but some of this stuff is going to be difficult,” he told CBS News.

“Some of the things have to be addressed, and we’ll see.

“Leadership comes from the top. And I want to make sure that every young woman who joins the military feels respected and welcomed.”

Hegseth told reporters he had spoken to Trump who had said he should “keep going, keep fighting”.

In a post on X, he blamed the “Left” for the controversy surrounding his nomination.

“I’m doing this for the warfighters, not the warmongers,” he wrote.

“The Left is afraid of disrupters and change agents. They are afraid of  @realDonaldTrump —and me.

“So they smear w/ fake, anonymous sources & BS stories. They don’t want truth.

“Our warriors never back down, & neither will I.”

The Trump transition office and DeSantis’ office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

So far, two Trump picks for senior positions have dropped out.

Chad Chronister on Tuesday (US time) withdrew from consideration to run the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Weeks earlier, former representative Matt Gaetz dropped out of consideration for attorney general amid intense scrutiny about allegations of sex with an underage girl.

DeSantis, who lost his bid for the Republican presidential nomination to Trump, was on an earlier list of potential defence secretary candidates but Trump decided to go with Hegseth, the Journal said.

DeSantis served in the Navy’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps from 2004 to 2010.

The Journal said Trump could decide not to choose DeSantis and select another replacement, if Hegseth’s nomination falls apart.

-with AAP