The Senate Armed Services Committee on Monday favorably reported, 14-13, the nomination of Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump’s pick to run the Defense Department, on a party-line vote that will likely spell partisan opposition for Hegseth in the days ahead.

As Hegseth’s hearing proceeded before the Senate Armed Services Committee, there was an air of unreality to the nominee’s performance. Moreover, the committee’s Republican majority seemed to have little appreciation for the gravity of decisions required of the defense secretary.

A cloud of controversy has hung over Hegseth, but he now appears to be on track to be confirmed as Trump's defense secretary.

Dan Caldwell, a former colleague of Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, has publicly criticized the close U.S.-Israel alliance

Amid Republican claims of “anonymous smears,” a named person — and a Hegseth, at that — accuses the defense secretary nominee of abusive behavior.

Robert Salesses will serve as acting defense secretary until the Senate confirms Pete Hegseth, President Trump's nominee. Hegseth, facing controversy over his qualifications and past remarks, underwent a Senate committee hearing,

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trump's nominee for secretary of defense, goes before the Senate Armed Services Committee next week.

Spotted in the crowd were Sean Parnell, a former Army Ranger and conservative media personality, and Tim Kennedy, an ex-UFC fighter and former Green Beret. The group, which was buzzing with excitement ahead of the hearing, appeared to cheer for Hegseth and shout "USA!" as the hearing got underway.

Some Republican lawmakers say they are taking seriously recent allegations about nominee’s past behavior.

National Security Council staff were told to leave their positions, part of President Trump's plan to replace bureaucrats with political allies, signaled by his Schedule F executive order. The reshaping touches multiple departments,

Trump’s border offensive begins   Hegseth gains momentum to lead Pentagon  Tracking the president’s tariff two-step  Trump threatens Putin over Ukraine war  President Trump on