Trump Defense Chief Pete Hegseth Disputes Comments About Women in Military Amid Senate Protests – Live Updates

Emilia Atkinson
Live Editor in Washington

Image source, Reuters

As President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House next week, the Senate is holding confirmation hearings for potential members of his cabinet.

The most high-profile of these hearings is scheduled to begin in just over an hour, with Trump’s selection of Pete Hegseth as defense secretary.

Since his nomination, questions have been raised about the qualifications of the former Fox News host and military veteran, and allegations of past sexual assault have come to light.

Hegseth denied any wrongdoing and was never arrested or charged.

It is up to the Senate Armed Services Committee to consider his nomination and qualifications and to question him today on these allegations.

It’s also a chance for Democrats to try to persuade some Republicans to waver in their support for Hegseth.

The hearing is scheduled to start at 09:30 EST (14:30 GMT) and it promises to be fiery. Wait for further information.