The Senate Armed Services Committee on Monday favorably reported, 14-13, the nomination of Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump’s pick to run the Defense Department, on a party-line vote that will likely spell partisan opposition for Hegseth in the days ahead.

As Hegseth’s hearing proceeded before the Senate Armed Services Committee, there was an air of unreality to the nominee’s performance. Moreover, the committee’s Republican majority seemed to have little appreciation for the gravity of decisions required of the defense secretary.

In “The War on Warriors,” published last year, the nominee to head the Pentagon lashes out at “social justice saboteurs” and other fellow Americans.

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trump's nominee for secretary of defense, goes before the Senate Armed Services Committee next week.

Spotted in the crowd were Sean Parnell, a former Army Ranger and conservative media personality, and Tim Kennedy, an ex-UFC fighter and former Green Beret. The group, which was buzzing with excitement ahead of the hearing, appeared to cheer for Hegseth and shout "USA!" as the hearing got underway.

President Donald Trump has named an acting defence secretary because his choice to lead the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth, has not yet been confirmed by the Senate.

Some Republican lawmakers say they are taking seriously recent allegations that the man nominated to lead the Pentagon abused alcohol and engaged in erratic behavior.

Dan Caldwell, a former colleague of Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, has publicly criticized the close U.S.-Israel alliance

Read about President Trump's appointment of Robert Salesses, a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer, as acting secretary of defense.

The Senate Armed Services Committee held a confirmation hearing for Hegseth on January 14, 2025. [1] Click here to read more about the confirmation process. Trump said of Hegseth's nomination, "Pete has spent his entire life as a Warrior for the Troops ...