Pete Hegseth faced a challenging confirmation hearing for the position of Defense Secretary, with intense scrutiny from Democratic senators regarding his views on women in the military, allegations of misconduct, and his qualifications for the role. While GOP senators emphasized the urgency of confirming Hegseth, deeming it a matter of national security, Democrats criticized his track record and questioned his character. Despite the pushback, Hegseth sought to present himself as a change agent and aligned with the Trump Doctrine, but struggled to navigate questions about his experience and the ASEAN region. The hearing reflected a broader tension within the GOP, as some party members defended Hegseth against what they characterized as unprepared Democratic attacks. Observers noted the remarkable attention on Hegseth’s controversial statements and personal background, highlighting a divide in assessment between party lines.