For a week in early December, it looked like Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Defense, Pete Hegseth, was cooked. Too many stories alleging womanizing, sexual assault, and drinking on the job were coming in,

Donald Trump’s choice for defense secretary is heading into a potentially explosive Senate confirmation hearing.

WASHINGTON — Senators jockeyed to magnify contrasting aspects of Pete Hegseth’s life at his confirmation hearing Tuesday on whether the veteran, Fox News personality and accused perpetrator of sexual misconduct is qualified to lead the nation’s military and its nearly $900 billion budget.

Pete Hegseth, the controversial former Fox News host, has been accused of sexual assault and faces a grueling confirmation hearing on the path to becoming the next secretary of defense.

Even though Trump has not officially been inaugurated, the Senate can confirm cabinet members before his Oath of Office.

Sen. Joni Ernst said she will vote to confirm Pete Hegseth as the next secretary of defense, making the controversial nominee's path to the helm of the Pentagon more likely.

Good morning! Mastercard will settle a pay discrimination suit for $26 million, the Fortune 500 loses a female CEO, and senators grill Trump defense pick Pete Hegseth. - On defense. Pete Hegseth testified before the Senate Committee on Armed Services yesterday in his bid to become Donald Trump's secretary of defense.

Iowa Senator Joni Ernst announced that she would vote for Pete Hegseth to become Defense Secretary, making his path to Senate confirmation much easier.

Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, who had been seen as a key Republican skeptic of Pete Hegseth’s nomination to lead the Defense Department, said she will support him after his performance at Tuesday's confirmation hearing.