Pete Hegseth’s nomination hearing on Tuesday ... million people with a budget of $850 billion,” Hegseth told Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.). “What I do know is that I’ve led men and women.

Senators voted 51-49 to advance Hegseth's defense secretary bid, which has been mired in a series of controversies. Two Republicans are opposed to Hegseth.

A Princeton and Harvard-educated former combat veteran, Hegseth went on to make a career at Fox News, where he hosted a weekend show. Trump tapped him as the defense secretary to lead an organization with nearly 2.1 million service members, about 780,000 civilians and a budget of $850 billion.

Awkward exchanges about the defense secretary hopeful’s past were plentiful as Democrats went after the first embattled Trump pick to face a confirmation hearing.

Pete Hegseth has lived in the public eye for years. As a well-known television personality and political commentator, he has drawn significant interest in his personal life. In late 2024 ...

Sen. Jack Reed released details from an affidavit alleging that Pentagon nominee Pete Hegseth's ex-wife feared for her safety during her marriage.

Rick Scott Asked If New Affidavit ‘Disqualifies’ Hegseth, Accuses Dems Of ‘Obstructing’ Trump Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) speaks to reporters about the confirmation process of President Trump's nominees. Fuel your success with Forbes.

RELATED: Pete Hegseth grilled by Virginia Sen ... Utah Senator Mike Lee calls Hegseth what the DOD needs and Florida Senator Rick Scott says he has the right motives, the right qualifications ...

A cloud of controversy has hung over Hegseth, but he now appears to be on track to be confirmed as Trump's defense secretary.

Noem and committee Republicans focused on the border while Democrats asked about foreign and home-grown terrorism during a cordial hearing.

Trump's latest picks include a former NFL player, a House legislator, and Wall Street financer to lead housing, labour, and the treasury.