What to know
- Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary, answered questions from members of the Senate Armed Services Committee in a confirmation hearing that lasted roughly 4.5 hours.
- The former Fox News host and U.S. Army veteran faced tough questions about allegations related to his personal and professional conduct, including a 2017 sexual assault allegation.
- Hegseth has said the interaction was consensual and that he paid his accuser an undisclosed sum as part of a settlement agreement to “protect my family” and “protect my job.” The local district attorney declined to file charges, saying there was no “proof beyond a reasonable doubt” for charges.
- Hegseth appeared to have the support of the committee's Republican members during the hearing, suggesting his nomination will likely be referred to the full Senate for a vote in the coming weeks.