Even the president isn’t sure if his defense-secretary pick can squeak through what is expected to be an extremely close confirmation vote in the Republican-controlled Senate.

The Senate is muscling Pete Hegseth's nomination as defense secretary toward confirmation Friday, prioritizing his vow to create a “warrior culture” at the Pentagon over allegations of heavy drinking and aggressive behavior toward women.

As the Senate approaches its final confirmation of Pete Hegseth to be defense secretary, Democrats are continuing to raise their concerns about his character and fitness to lead the nation's largest department.