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

"We must not underestimate the importance of having a top-shelf communicator as secretary of defense," Wicker said.

Just before the holidays, incoming Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) released a new report, “Restoring

U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, who now chairs the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee, talked about what it means for our country and South Mississippi.

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.

The Senate narrowly confirmed Pete Hegseth on Friday as secretary of Defense, a win for President Donald Trump's new administration after its 44-year-old nominee fended off allegations of sexual assault,

Pete Hegseth’s former sister-in-law gave an affidavit to the Senate Armed Services Committee accusing him of being “abusive” toward his second ex-wife, according to a copy of the affidavit obtained by CNN.

The Pentagon isn’t ready to fight conflicts of the future and must adapt quickly to accelerate the production of defense technologies that it needs, said Sen. Roger Wicker, (R., Miss.), the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee,

Spotted in the crowd were Sean Parnell, a former Army Ranger and conservative media personality, and Tim Kennedy, an ex-UFC fighter and former Green Beret. The group, which was buzzing with excitement ahead of the hearing, appeared to cheer for Hegseth and shout "USA!" as the hearing got underway.

CNN's Manu Raju grilled Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker (R-MS) about Defense Secretary-designate Pete Hegseth's FBI background check.

Pete Hegseth, Trump's nominee to lead the Pentagon, withstood hours of questioning during his Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing.