Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary, appeared at the Capitol today for a contentious four-hour confirmation hearing. Democratic senators repeatedly called him unfit to lead the Pentagon, but Republicans — who alone can confirm Hegseth — offered almost nothing but support.

Hegseth appears likely to have enough votes to advance through the Senate Armed Services Committee. A vote of the full Senate could come as soon as next week, where he can likely afford to lose the support of just three Republicans. Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa, a Republican whose support is seen as crucial for Hegseth’s confirmation, appeared satisfied with his responses.

At today’s hearing, Democrats pressed Hegseth on numerous allegations of misconduct, excessive drinking, his views about women in combat and his ability to lead the U.S. military’s three million employees through a challenging moment. Hegseth claimed to have been the victim of a “smear campaign.”

Before the hearing, Democrats argued that the F.B.I. had omitted key details about Hegseth when compiling his background check, in part because it did not include interviews with critical witnesses.

For more: Confirmation hearings for Trump’s cabinet picks are just beginning. Here’s what to look for.

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