Trump's choice to run the defense department, Pete Hegseth, denied multiple accusations of misconduct while facing tough questions from democratic senators about his qualifications to lead the pentagon.

Pete Hegseth, now earning a key republican vote on his path to the Pentagon.

Iowa Republican Joni Ernst, a combat veteran previously seen as a Hegseth skeptic, announced last night that she would support him.

After a fiery hearing on Capitol Hill, with Senate democrats repeatedly questioning Hegseth's fitness and his qualifications for office.

“I do not believe that you are qualified to meet the overwhelming demands of this job,” said Senator Jack Reed.

Hegseth’s a decorated army combat veteran and former FOX News host and he vowed to shake up the Pentagon, saying, “It's time to give someone with dust on his boots the helm. A change agent.”

But Hegseth spent much of the hearing on defense, deflecting questions about an encounter with a woman who accused him of sexual assault in 2017. An allegation he has denied.

Police investigated, but prosecutors did not file charges.

Hegseth has said the encounter was consensual and that he paid his accuser an undisclosed amount in 2023 as part of a settlement agreement

“You've admitted that it was consensual, and you were still married and you had just had a child by another woman, how do you explain your judgment,” asked Sen. Kaine.

“Completely false charges against me,” Hegseth said.

Multiple senators pressed Hegseth about alleged excessive drinking on the job, democrat Mark Kelly highlighted his time leading a veterans organization.

“You needed to be carried out of the event for being intoxicated,” said Kelly.

“Senator, anonymous smears,” replied Hegseth.

Hegseth also confirmed that he told republican senators he would abstain from alcohol if the Senate approves his nomination.

Republicans defended Hegseth throughout the hearing asking questions like “How many senators have shown up drunk to vote at night? Have any of you guys asked them to step down and resign for their job?”

Hegseth's also facing scrutiny over his past opposition to women in combat, a position he's softened since his nomination.