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.”