WASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary, has publicly faced senators for the first time. It came after weeks of questions from Democrats and praise from Republicans about his “unconventional” resume. The former combat veteran and TV news host says he will be a “change agent” and a “warrior” for the Pentagon. Democrats say Hegseth’s lack of experience, his past comments about women and Black troops and allegations of excessive drinking and sexual misconduct make him unfit to serve. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Sen. Roger Wicker called Hegseth’s nomination to lead the Defense Department “unconventional” but compared him to Trump.
