President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, is scheduled to face his first public questioning from U.S. senators on Jan. 14.
The big picture: Hegseth, a former Fox News host and veteran, has interacted with Senate offices to garner Republican support amid concerns regarding his fitness for the role due to allegations of excessive drinking and sexual misconduct.
- Hegseth assured senators that he would abstain from drinking while serving as defense secretary and refuted the reports of misconduct.
What we’re watching: More confirmation hearings are anticipated after the new Republican Senate is sworn in on Jan. 3, with Trump’s inauguration scheduled for Jan. 20.
- Incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune aims to expedite the confirmation of Trump’s cabinet members once Trump assumes office.
