The Utah Republican was one of a few GOP senators who had not declared how he would vote on Hegseth’s nomination. This makes Hegseth much more likely to clinch the Cabinet position.

Even though Trump has not officially been inaugurated, the Senate can confirm cabinet members before his Oath of Office.

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary, has publicly faced senators for the first time.

Pete Hegseth could hardly be more suited to be Donald Trump’s secretary of Defense — even though he’d surely be deemed unqualified by any conventional president.

It’s time to give someone with dust on his boots the helm. A change agent,” Hegseth said in his opening remarks.

Former Fox News host and military veteran Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump's nominee for defence secretary, is being grilled by a Senate committee - watch live above Hegseth just entered the room and is met with loud applause from members of the public in attendance.