Hegseth has tended to blame “left-wing media” for turning him into a victim of a “smear campaign” orchestrated by “anonymous sources.”

With two G.O.P. senators opposed, Pete Hegseth, President Trump’s pick for defense secretary, can afford to lose only one more. If he is confirmed, it is likely to be by the smallest margin for that post in modern times.

Senators voted 51-49 to advance Hegseth's defense secretary bid, which has been mired in several controversies. Two Republicans oppose him.

WASHINGTON – The Senate narrowly confirmed Pete Hegseth on Friday as secretary of Defense, a win for President Donald Trump's new administration after its 44-year-old nominee fended off allegations of sexual assault, public drinking and intoxication, and abusive treatment of women.

Even the president isn’t sure if his defense-secretary pick can squeak through what is expected to be an extremely close confirmation vote in the Republican-controlled Senate.

Pete Hegseth looked great. That square jaw remained at a constant determined jut.

WASHINGTON (AP) - President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, vowed Tuesday to foster a “warrior culture” at the Pentagon and confronted allegations of sexual ...

Donald Trump's pick for Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, is facing stiff criticism from Democrats—but most Republicans back him.

Republicans have emphasized their belief that he can reinvigorate the DOD to face threats like China and Russia, while some veterans groups expressed concern he is not qualified to lead such a large organization.

A Princeton and Harvard-educated former combat veteran, Hegseth went on to make a career at Fox News, where he hosted a weekend show. Trump tapped him as the defense secretary to lead an organization with nearly 2.1 million service members, about 780,000 civilians and a budget of $850 billion.

The vote broke the Senate filibuster and sets up a final confirmation vote, which will likely take place Friday. Democrat John Fetterman voted against advancing Hegseth for secretary of defense.