Pete Hegseth, the controversial former Fox News host, has been accused of sexual assault and faces a grueling confirmation hearing on the path to becoming the next secretary of defense.

Lawmakers and allies weighed in on Trump's defense secretary nominee and the questioning he faced from senators during his confirmation hearing.

Some are expected to have smooth confirmation paths, like Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state, while others, like defense secretary pick Pete Hegseth, face headwinds.

Donald Trump’s choice for defense secretary is heading into a potentially explosive Senate confirmation hearing.

Asked directly about the sexual assault allegation, Hegseth dismissed it as a “smear campaign” as he portrayed himself as unfairly attacked.

Texas, described the week of hearings for President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet nominations as a “train wreck,” as many nominees face uncertain Republican votes. NBC News’ Ryan Noble reports on the week ahead featuring Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth.

Confirmation hearings get underway this week on Capitol Hill, as President-elect Donald Trump's pick for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, is scheduled to appear Tuesday before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth ... Asked about advice for Hegseth, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, referred to that earlier example.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth ... Asked about advice for Hegseth, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, referred to that earlier example.

T he Senate Judiciary Committee is set to consider President Donald Trump’s nominee for FBI director, Kash Patel, at a confirmation hearing next week, with Democrats al

During a contentious hearing, Republicans rallied to the defense of Donald Trump’s pick for Pentagon chief as he faced tough questions about allegations of misconduct and his views on women.