U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth, endured fierce Democratic grilling over everything from his inexperience, alleged drinking and his past opposition to women in combat to emerge largely unscathed among Republicans at his confirmation hearing Tuesday.
Hegseth, a former Fox News host and decorated veteran, is one of the most controversial figures ever nominated to be secretary of defense and any vote to confirm him is expected to be very close.
But he weathered the four-hour hearing without making any major gaffe that might have alienated Republicans and even won critical backing from Republican Sen. Joni Ernst, who holds sway in her party.
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