President-elect Donald Trump nominated Fox News host Hegseth to be the new Secretary of Defense. His hearing Tuesday, Jan. 14, was the first in a series of confirmation hearings to vet the incoming president's top choices for key leadership roles.

Republicans seem more than happy to drag Hegseth across the finish line, while Democrats miss easy layups, Eric Garcia and Andrew Feinberg write

"We must not underestimate the importance of having a top-shelf communicator as secretary of defense," Wicker said.

In a combative hearing, no Republicans came out against Pete Hegseth as he made his case to overhaul the Pentagon.

Wicker did not specify what day the vote would take place, but said it could be as late as next Thursday if Senate Democrats do not allow the chamber to speed up the confirmation process.

Donald Trump’s cabinet picks are beginning their nomination process this week, starting with Trump’s choice for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary, has publicly faced senators for the first time.

Sen. Roger Wicker, (R., Miss.), the new chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said in an opening statement supporting President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth: “Admittedly this nomination is unconventional.

Miss., chair of the Armed Services Committee, has signaled Hegseth is likely to be confirmed as defense secretary.

Roger Wicker called Hegseth’s nomination to lead the Defense Department “unconventional” but equated the choice as fitting for President-elect Donald Trump. “Admittedly, this nomination is unconventional. The nominee is unconventional,” Wicker said.

Hegseth is set to begin confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill. In his opening statement obtained by NBC News, he leans into his outside perspective. “It’s time to give someone with dust on his boots the helm,” he is expected to say. NBC’s Ryan Nobles reports for "TODAY."

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to run the Department of Defense, answered questions Tuesday in a public hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee.