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 vote from the Senate Armed Services Committee sets up a full Senate confirmation vote on Trump's pick to lead the Pentagon later this week.

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