Pete Hegseth, the controversial former Fox News host, has been accused of sexual assault and faces a grueling confirmation hearing on the path to becoming the next secretary of defense.

Lawmakers and allies weighed in on Trump's defense secretary nominee and the questioning he faced from senators during his confirmation hearing.

Republican leaders said they doubted the new allegations would change the votes of support they are lining up for Pete Hegseth. They marched ahead with the nomination on Tuesday evening, taking a key procedural step needed to confirm him by week’s end.

Some are expected to have smooth confirmation paths, like Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state, while others, like defense secretary pick Pete Hegseth, face headwinds.

Asked directly about the sexual assault allegation, Hegseth dismissed it as a “smear campaign” as he portrayed himself as unfairly attacked.

Donald Trump’s choice for defense secretary is heading into a potentially explosive Senate confirmation hearing.

Texas, described the week of hearings for President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet nominations as a “train wreck,” as many nominees face uncertain Republican votes. NBC News’ Ryan Noble reports on the week ahead featuring Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth.

President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to lead the nation's health department met with U.S. senators Thursday. Robert F. Kennedy Jr has faced criticism for his views on vaccines and abortion.

Confirmation hearings get underway this week on Capitol Hill, as President-elect Donald Trump's pick for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, is scheduled to appear Tuesday before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth ... Asked about advice for Hegseth, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, referred to that earlier example.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senators immediately began sparring Tuesday over President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for defense secretary Pete Hegseth, with the Republican chairman of the Armed Services ...