Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary, appeared at the Capitol today for a contentious four-hour confirmation hearing. Democratic senators repeatedly called him unfit to lead the Pentagon, but Republicans — who alone can confirm Hegseth — offered almost nothing but support.

Republicans sounded confident notes after Pete Hegseth’s hearing, saying Democrats didn’t succeed in damaging the Pentagon nominee’s prospects. “I don't think they laid a glove,” said Senate Armed Services Chairman Roger Wicker (R.

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Pentagon, appeared on course to win confirmation after a half-day Senate hearing, even after he was hit with hard questions from Democrats over alleged character flaws.