The Senate Armed Services Committee held a confirmation hearing for Pete Hegseth for secretary of defense on Jan. 14, 2025. At the time the hearing ended, the committee had not yet announced a date for a committee vote on Hegseth’s nomination. Hegseth must receive a majority approval vote in the committee before his nomination can be put up for a confirmation vote with the full Senate.

Trump nominated Hegseth on Nov. 12, 2024. Trump said of Hegseth’s nomination, “Pete has spent his entire life as a Warrior for the Troops, and for the Country. Pete is tough, smart, and a true believer in America First. With Pete at the helm, America’s enemies are on notice – Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down.”

The Senate Armed Services Committee is chaired by U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) is the ranking Democratic member. To watch the full hearing, click here.

This was the first confirmation hearing held for one of incoming President Donald Trump’s (R) Cabinet nominees. To read more about the confirmation process for Trump’s Cabinet nominees, click here.