Pete Hegseth faces an important test on Tuesday — but he won't just have to prove himself to the senators who immediately began sparring over his nomination as Defense Secretary. His confirmation hearings are also an opportunity for Hegseth to make his case to the sizable share of Americans who don't know him or don't approve of President-elect Donald Trump's decision to tap him for this key role in his administration.

Senate Democrats are continuing to push back on the nomination of Pete Hegseth to lead the Defense Department amid fresh allegations of misconduct by the veteran and former Fox News host. In a partially redacted affidavit sent to the Senate Armed Services Committee and obtained by CQ Roll Call on Tuesday,