Pete Hegseth, Trump's Nominee For Defense Secretary, Faces Crucial Test At Confirmation Hearing

President-elect Donald Trump's choice for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth , is heading into a potentially explosive confirmation hearing Tuesday as senators question whether the former combat veteran and TV news show host is fit to lead the U.S. military .

Hegseth's former experience in the Army National Guard is widely viewed as an asset for the job, but he also brings a jarring record of past statements and actions , including allegations of sexual assault , excessive drinking and derisive views about women in military combat roles, minorities and "woke" generals . He has vowed to not drink alcohol if he is confirmed to lead the Pentagon.

He is among the most endangered of Trump's Cabinet choices , but GOP allies are determined to turn Hegseth into a cause celebre for Trump's governing approach amid the nation's culture wars. Outside groups, including those aligned with the Heritage Foundation , are running costly campaigns to prop up Hegseth's bid.

"He will be ripped, he will be demeaned. He will be talked about," said Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., at an event with former Navy SEALs, Army special forces and Marines supporting the nominee. "But we're going to get him across the finish line."

The hearing at the Senate Armed Services Committee is the start of a weeklong marathon as senators begin scrutinizing Trump's choices for more than a dozen top administrative positions. The Republican-led Senate is rushing to have some of Trump's picks ready to be confirmed as soon as Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, despite potential opposition to some from both sides of the aisle.