The former sister-in-law of Pete Hegseth told senators in a sworn affidavit that he caused his second wife to fear for her personal safety and abused alcohol over the course of many years.

John Kirby, White House national security communications adviser, said of Hegseth's remarks on North Korea's status as a nuclear power: "We've not made such a recognition. I can't speak to what the incoming team will—how they'll characterize it. We've not gone so far as to make that recognition."

Hegseth, 44, is a combat veteran and former Fox News host. The committee voted along party lines to advance his nomination to the full Senate.

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

Tuesday's confirmation hearings on Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense and Wednesdays announcement of a cease-fire agreement for Gaza are illustrative of the elusive nature of politics.

Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth was grilled by female senators during his confirmation hearing over his past statements about women in combat. New York Sen.

Conservative organizations are targeting Republican senators, saying that they will pay a price if they do not back the president-elect’s choice for defense secretary.

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Pentagon chief, referred to North Korea as a “nuclear power” in a written statement for Tuesday’s confirmation hearing – shattering a longstanding taboo by granting such a designation to Kim Jong-un’s regime and drawing considerable attention in Seoul.

Overhauling federal agencies, streamlining govt operations, strengthening national security & taking a hardline stance on immigration some of key priorities for US President’s 2nd term.

Pete Hegseth’s controversial nomination as defense secretary moved a step closer to confirmation with the Senate Armed Services Committee recommending him to the job on party lines. U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., voted Monday against Hegseth, citing a lack of managerial experience and “concerning personal issues.”

A senator told Hegseth: "I suggest you do a little homework before you prepare for these types of negotiations."