He has denied the accusations, dismissing them as part of a smear campaign in testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee. On Tuesday, an ex-sister-in-law of Mr. Hegseth submitted a sworn statement to senators accusing him of being “abusive” toward his second wife.

Pete Hegseth, who has been dogged by misconduct allegations and scrutinized over his lack of qualifications, has been confirmed as defense secretary by a 51-50 vote in the Senate.

Pete Hegseth was confirmed as defense secretary late Friday by the U.S. Senate after Vice President JD Vance broke a 50-50 tie as Senate president.

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a dramatic late-night session, the Senate is voting on the nomination of Pete Hegseth as defense secretary who vows to bring a “warrior culture” to the Pentagon despite questions over qualifications and allegations of heavy drinking and aggressive behavior toward women.

Hegseth’s confirmation was the narrowest vote in chamber history for a defense secretary nominee, and only the second time the vice president has cast a tie-breaking vote for a Cabinet nominee. The next closest defense secretary vote was Chuck Hagel’s in 2013, when he was confirmed 58-41, with four Republicans breaking ranks to back his nomination.

Hegseth, 44, is a combat veteran and former Fox News host. The committee voted along party lines to advance his nomination to the full Senate.

Donald Trump's pick for Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, is facing stiff criticism from Democrats—but most Republicans back him.