Who is Pete Hegseth, Trump's controversial nomination for defence secretary?
Many had expected a seasoned defence expert to take the role of Secretary of Defence, a general or a veteran diplomat.
But instead, Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defence is a former soldier and TV host and possibly one of the most controversial figures ever to be nominated.
A controversial figure, who could be just days away from overseeing America's 1.3 million service personnel, 44-year-old Pete Hegseth appeared before the US Armed Services Committee for a four-hour grilling by senators this week.
From Fox and Friends to the Pentagon
He's known for his controversial views on so-called 'wokeness' in the military and his fierce loyalty to America's returning President.
Supporters point to his military service and strong media profile, while critics say he lacks any senior defence or national security experience.
Since his nomination allegations have emerged of sexual assault, excessive drinking and financial mismanagement at a veterans' organisation he headed.
There’s also been controversy over his choice of tattoos, some of which are symbols used frequently by far right.
On X, the founder of another veteran’s charity said Hegseth was the "most political, most extreme and least qualified nominee" for Defence Secretary the US had ever seen.
Hegseth has promised to rebuild the US military, prioritise homeland defence, and restore what he calls the "Warrior ethos."
Republican Senator Mike Waltz, a former Green Beret and the man expected to become Donald Trump’s national security adviser, called him a reform-minded leader who will shake up the Pentagon.
And other Republican Senators in the hearing also backed him.
Who is Pete Hegseth?
He was born in 1980 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and graduated from Princeton University in 2003.
Mr Hegseth then joined the US National Guard, serving as an officer with the 187th Infantry Regiment, part of the 101st Airborne Division.
He served for 13 years, serving in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq and Afghanistan and Major Hegseth earned two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman Badge.
He later became a conservative political commentator and, since 2017, has hosted a top-rated show on Fox News.
Pete Hegseth denies the allegations against him and he's never been charged with any offence.
During the hearing, he told senators the US needs a strong presence in the Indo-Pacific to deter China.
And with President Trump's inauguration just hours away, he was asked whether he backed America's support for Ukraine.
So, what happens now?
Well, in order to be confirmed as Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth needs a majority of the Senate's 100 members to vote in favour of him.
Up to now, there's been no sign of any Republican voting against.
Despite the allegations, which Mr Hegseth says are part of a smear campaign, Donald Trump has repeated his support.
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