Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Defense Secretary, took part in a confirmation hearing on Jan. 14 with members of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Questions mostly followed partisan lines, with Republicans praising Hegseth and his combat experience while Democrats asked about allegations of excessive drinking and an anonymous 2017 accusation of sexual assault.

Hegseth alleged that he was the victim of a smear campaign, similar to the one that then Supreme Court appointee Brett Kavanaugh claimed he was subjected to during his confirmation hearings in 2018. 

The Senate Armed Services Committee is expected to vote on Hegseth’s confirmation on Jan. 20, the same day that president-elect Trump will take the oath of office and be sworn in as the 47th president of the United States.