Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trump's pick for Defense secretary, repeated his claim Tuesday that he is the target of a "smear campaign" when faced with pointed questions from lawmakers over his fitness to lead the military amid misconduct allegations.

Pete Hegseth emerged from a Senate committee hearing with the support of the Republican Party intact following weeks of scrutiny over his qualifications and allegations of misconduct.

During a contentious confirmation hearing, Pete Hegseth dismissed allegations of past personal misconduct, calling them “anonymous smears.”

Senators, especially Democratic members, grilled Hegseth over his record, his tattoos, and his views on women in the military.

Pete Hegseth spent several hours in front of the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday, where Republicans largely praised his nomination, and Democrats questioned his fitness for the position of secretary of defense.

Laughter erupted during the Senate confirmation hearing Tuesday as Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth retorted Democratic Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth