Senators voted 51-49 to advance Hegseth's defense secretary bid, which has been mired in several controversies. Two Republicans oppose him.

Pete and Samantha Hegseth’s 2018 divorce decree prohibits each of them from engaging in “any public discourse … disparaging the other party.”

Hegseth’s nomination: Pete Hegseth, President Trump’s nominee for defense secretary, survived a crucial procedural vote that moved his bid to the full Senate. Fifty-one Republicans supported advancing his nomination; Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski joined Democrats in opposition. A final vote is expected Friday evening. Read more ›

Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Pentagon, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that he paid $50,000 to a woman who alleged he sexually assaulted her as part of a non-disclosure agreement,

The vote broke the Senate filibuster and sets up a final confirmation vote, which will likely take place Friday. Democrat John Fetterman voted against advancing Hegseth for secretary of defense.

Pete Hegseth’s former sister-in-law gave an affidavit to the Senate Armed Services Committee accusing him of being “abusive” toward his second ex-wife, according to a copy of the affidavit obtained by CNN.

In a sworn affidavit, Pete Hegseth's former sister-in-law said Hegseth's ex-wife told her she at one point "feared for her personal safety" during her marriage to him.

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Senators vetting the nomination of Pete Hegseth for defense secretary received an affidavit from a former sister-in-law alleging that the onetime Fox News was abusive to his second wife to the point where she feared for her safety.

The Senate is muscling Pete Hegseth's nomination as defense secretary toward confirmation Friday, prioritizing his vow to create a “warrior culture” at the Pentagon over allegations of heavy drinking and aggressive behavior toward women.

Pete Hegseth, dogged by allegations of sexual misconduct and alcohol abuse, is increasingly expected to be confirmed by the Senate on Friday night.