Republicans Embrace Hegseth’s Bid to Lead the Pentagon

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald J. Trump’s pick for defense secretary, emerged from a tense confirmation hearing on Tuesday with the support of the Republican Party intact following weeks of scrutiny over his fitness and qualifications to lead the Pentagon. A vote of the full Senate could come as soon as next week.

In a hearing that stretched more than four hours, Democrats pressed Mr. Hegseth on numerous allegations of misconduct, his views about women in combat and his ability to lead a sprawling department with three million employees and an $849 billion budget. Mr. Hegseth claimed to have been the victim of a “smear campaign” that focused on an accusation of sexual assault and episodes of drinking to excess.