The U.S. Senate voted narrowly on Thursday to move forward with the nomination of Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host and military veteran, for the position of Secretary of Defense under President Donald Trump. This decision paves the way for a confirmation vote later this week. The vote was 51-49 on a procedural motion to end debate, with nearly all of Trump’s Republican colleagues supporting the nomination, despite recent allegations regarding Hegseth’s personal conduct.

Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins were the only Republicans to join all Democrats and independents in opposing the nomination. The Senate is expected to hold a confirmation vote for Hegseth late on Friday. Hegseth has emerged as one of the most contentious nominees in Trump’s cabinet, facing scrutiny over his management experience and multiple allegations of inappropriate behavior and excessive drinking, which he has denied.

An affidavit released this week from Hegseth’s former sister-in-law claimed that he abused his second ex-wife to the extent that she once sought refuge in a closet and provided friends with a code word for emergencies. Additionally, Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns over various incidents involving Hegseth, including a 2017 sexual assault allegation that did not lead to charges, which he also denies.

In 2017, Hegseth reached a settlement of $50,000 with the woman who accused him of sexual assault, as revealed in his response to a written inquiry from Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, according to her office’s communication with Reuters.

HEGSETH, SUPPORTERS, DENY ALLEGATIONS

Hegseth and his supporters firmly reject the allegations against him. He has denied any wrongdoing towards Samantha Hegseth, and Republican senators who have supported him stated that they conducted meetings with him, examined his FBI file, and reviewed other relevant documents, concluding that he is well-suited to lead the Pentagon.

“Following this comprehensive evaluation, I am absolutely confident in my judgment that Mr. Hegseth is ready to assume the role of Secretary of Defense, and that the allegations against him are baseless and do not withstand scrutiny,” stated Roger Wicker, Chairman of the Republican Senate Armed Services Committee.

Hegseth has largely avoided meetings with most Democratic senators, including those on the armed services committee, which conducted his confirmation hearing.

Recently, Trump has encouraged his fellow Republicans to support the 44-year-old veteran, and many have rallied behind him, asserting that he would bring a “warrior” ethos back to the U.S. military. In posts on Truth Social, Trump expressed that Hegseth “will make a GREAT Secretary of Defense” and emphasized his “Complete and Total support.”

Democrats have expressed significant opposition to his nomination. Prior to Thursday’s vote, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer remarked, “Is Pete Hegseth truly the best candidate we can find for Secretary of Defense? Let’s be honest, he isn’t. He doesn’t even come close!”

OVER 1 MILLION TROOPS, NEARLY $1 TRILLION BUDGET

If confirmed, Hegseth would oversee 1.3 million active-duty personnel and nearly 1 million civilians employed by the U.S. military, which operates with an annual budget approaching $1 trillion. Should he assume leadership at the Pentagon, observers will be keen to see if he initiates changes within the military’s leadership structure, how he addresses personnel matters such as the inclusion of women in combat roles, and his positions on significant foreign policy challenges, including the conflict in Ukraine, rising tensions with China, and issues in the Middle East.

Hegseth has been critical of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within the military, and in his recent book, he questioned whether the top U.S. general’s position is influenced by his race.

Historically, Hegseth has been a vocal opponent of women serving in combat, though he has softened this view in pursuit of support for his confirmation, including from Republican Senator Joni Ernst, a military veteran and sexual assault survivor who initially had reservations about Hegseth but later became a strong advocate for his nomination.