Pete Hegseth Confirmation Hearing Live: Trump's Pentagon Pick To Explain Controversies in Senate

Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump's pick for Defense Secretary, faces Senate confirmation hearings today, where he will address past allegations, his fitness for the role, and views on military policies.

What to Know:

• Hegseth is a former Fox News host and Iraq/Afghanistan veteran.
• His nomination faces scrutiny over past allegations, including an 8-year-old rape complaint and accusations of drinking on the job.
• Senate Republicans hold a 53-47 majority, making this a critical test of Trump's influence.
• Despite controversies, Democratic attempts to block Hegseth's confirmation are fading.
• The confirmation hearing kicks off a week of cabinet selections under Trump's administration.

Stay with Newsweek as we cover the unfolding confirmation hearing for Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trump's nominee for Defense Secretary.

10:01 AM EST

Michael Waltz is speaking for 'a dear friend'

"I am not here today just to advocate on behalf of a future colleague, but to speak on behalf of someone I consider a dear friend," Michael Waltz said, launching into his opening statement where he explained his friendship and history with Hegseth in the army.

"In my humble opinion, our military deserves better than it's getting," Waltz said. "Ladies and gentlemen, it is time for change."

09:56 AM EST

Former Sen. Norm Coleman calls Hegseth 'the real deal'

Former Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn, was called as a witness for Hegseth and called him "the real deal."

"Pete Hegseth is an out-of-the-box nominee," he added.

09:52 AM EST

Sen. Jack Reed opposes Pete Hegseth's defense secretary nomination

Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), the ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, will formally oppose Pete Hegseth's nomination for Defense Secretary.

In prepared remarks for his Tuesday speech, Reed stated that Hegseth lacks the experience, wisdom, and character necessary for the position, emphasizing the role's requirement for a nonpartisan and responsible leader.

"Mr. Hegseth, I don't believe that you're qualified to meet the overall demands of this job," Reed said.

Reed expressed concern over Hegseth's past writings, remarks, and reports of alleged excessive drinking and sexual assault, which Hegseth has denied. Reed argued that these allegations, along with Hegseth's conduct, would disqualify him from a leadership position in the military.

09:49 AM EST

Hegseth arrives for confirmation hearing with thumbs-up, no comments

Hegseth arrived on Capitol Hill for his confirmation hearing, offering a thumbs-up to waiting cameras. However, he refrained from answering any questions posed by reporters as he made his way into the hearing.

09:40 AM EST

Hegseth to Senate: Time for change at Pentagon

Pete Hegseth, nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as the Secretary of Defense, is set to deliver his opening statement before the Senate Armed Services Committee this morning. In his remarks, Hegseth will acknowledge that his background differs from those of recent Defense Secretaries.

"I don't have a similar biography to Defense Secretaries of the last 30 years," he will say, stressing that his hands-on experience is exactly what the Pentagon needs.

"It's time to give someone with dust on his boots the helm," Hegseth will argue, positioning himself as an outsider ready to bring a fresh perspective to the Department of Defense.

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