Secretary of defense nominee Pete Hegseth accused the media of orchestrating a “coordinated smear campaign” against him as he spoke before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday, marking the first step in his contentious confirmation process.

The Pentagon chief nominee said the accusations of alcohol abuse, sexual assault, and financial mismanagement were driven by the ‘left-wing media.’

President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Pentagon fields tough questions about his fitness for the job.

Sen. Roger Wicker (R., Miss.), chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, opened the hearing by asking Pete Hegseth to address allegations from “anonymous sources.” Hegseth called allegations of sexual assault and other claims a “coordinated smear campaign” from left-wing media,

Senators grilled secretary of defense nominee Pete Hegseth over sexual assault and misconduct allegations at his confirmation hearing Tuesday. Evan McMorris-Santoro, reporter for NOTUS, and Andrew Desiderio,

During his confirmation hearing, Pete Hegseth, nominee for Secretary of Defense, addressed accusations of excessive drinking and womanizing, labeling them a "coordinated smear campaign orchestrated in the media against us.

Via CNN - Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Defense Department, faces a Senate panel for his confirmation hearing.

Pete Hegseth quickly proved in his confirmation hearing how unqualified he is to be U.S. defense secretary. Elon Musk is reportedly set to receive office space in the White House complex for his incoming work as co-head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE),