5 takeaways from Pete Hegseth's confirmation hearing

Pete Hegseth, Trump's defense pick, was met with a friendly reception by Senate Republicans at his Tuesday hearing before the Armed Services Committee.

WASHINGTON — Pete Hegseth was met with a friendly reception from Senate Republicans at his hearing Tuesday before the Armed Services Committee, who signaled they would get behind President-elect Donald Trump’s embattled nominee to be secretary of defense.

Hegseth came into the hearing with a cloud of controversies hanging over his nomination, including allegations of excessive drinking and sexual assault, which he has denied, and past remarks that women shouldn’t serve in combat, which he has since walked back.

But after he was questioned for more than four hours Tuesday, Republicans came away feeling optimistic that the former Fox News host and Army combat veteran would be confirmed to lead the Pentagon. The GOP controls 53 Senate seats and will need 50 senators to secure his confirmation.

“He comported himself extremely well and made a strong argument for why he ought to be the next secretary of defense,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., adding he will “work quickly” to get him confirmed. 

Here are the key takeaways from the first confirmation hearing for Trump's incoming Cabinet.

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/takeaways-pete-hegseth-confirmation-hearing-rcna187660

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