The Senate Armed Services Committee approved the nomination of Pete Hegseth, Trump's pick to run the Defense Department.

Robert Salesses will serve as the acting defense secretart until President Donald Trump's nominee, Pete Hegseth, gets confirmed by the Senate.

A cloud of controversy has hung over Hegseth, but he now appears to be on track to be confirmed as Trump's defense secretary.

Robert Salesses will serve as President Donald Trump’s acting defense secretary as the nomination of Pete Hegseth to lead the Defense Department lingers in the Senate.

The Pentagon on Monday swore in Robert G. Salesses as the acting secretary of Defense while President Trump’s nominee Pete Hegseth awaits Senate confirmation. Salesses was sworn in just after noon, according to a Defense official.

President Trump has appointed Robert Salesses as acting defence secretary due to Pete Hegseth's pending Senate confirmation. Salesses is a retired Marine with a Bronze Star. Other acting appointees include Mark Averill for the Army,

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trump's nominee for secretary of defense, goes before the Senate Armed Services Committee next week.

WASHINGTON (Gray DC ... Democrats on the Senate Armed Services committee addressing multiple allegations about his character. Pete Hegseth calling his treatment smear campaign.

Spotted in the crowd were Sean Parnell, a former Army Ranger and conservative media personality, and Tim Kennedy, an ex-UFC fighter and former Green Beret. The group, which was buzzing with excitement ahead of the hearing, appeared to cheer for Hegseth and shout "USA!" as the hearing got underway.

Defense Secretary-designate Pete Hegseth confidently asserted his fitness for the job Tuesday while being grilled by Senate Democrats about allegations of mismanagement, binge drinking and sexual misconduct.

Read about President Trump's appointment of Robert Salesses, a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer, as acting secretary of defense.