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

The GOP-controlled Senate Armed Services Committee voted 14–13 along party lines to advance Hegseth’s nomination Monday afternoon, an early victory for Trump as he attempts to get his cabinet confirmed as quickly as possible.

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., voted Monday against Hegseth, citing a lack of managerial experience and “concerning personal issues.”

The Senate Armed Services Committee on Monday voted to advance Pete Hegseth, President Trump’s nominee to serve as secretary of Defense, to the floor. The 14-13 vote was strictly along party lines. Senators on the Armed Services panel also voted to waive the seven-day rule that usually requires at least a week to elapse between