The report doesn't offer material from Hegseth's ex-wives or a woman who accused him of sexual assault in 2017. Hegseth has said that encounter was consensual, and prosecutors never filed charges.

New questions are being raised about the FBI background check conducted for President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Defense Department, on the eve of Pete Hegseth’s confirmation hearing. Investigators reportedly did not interview the current and former Fox News staff who anonymously accused Hegseth of concerning drinking at work events,

Democrats said 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. Republicans described him as "unconventional" but an “excellent choice.