Robert Salesses will serve as the acting defense secretart until President Donald Trump's nominee, Pete Hegseth, gets confirmed by the Senate.

As Hegseth’s hearing proceeded before the Senate Armed Services Committee, there was an air of unreality to the nominee’s performance. Moreover, the committee’s Republican majority seemed to have little appreciation for the gravity of decisions required of the defense secretary.

Amid Republican claims of “anonymous smears,” a named person — and a Hegseth, at that — accuses the defense secretary nominee of abusive behavior.

President Donald Trump has named an acting defense secretary because his choice to lead the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth, has not yet been confirmed by the Senate.

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trump's nominee for secretary of defense, goes before the Senate Armed Services Committee next week.

Spotted in the crowd were Sean Parnell, a former Army Ranger and conservative media personality, and Tim Kennedy, an ex-UFC fighter and former Green Beret. The group, which was buzzing with excitement ahead of the hearing, appeared to cheer for Hegseth and shout "USA!" as the hearing got underway.

Mike Rounds, R-S.D., a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, at the Capitol in Washington, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) FILE - Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald ...

President Trump has appointed Robert Salesses as acting defence secretary due to Pete Hegseth's pending Senate confirmation. Salesses is a retired Marine with a Bronze Star. Other acting appointees include Mark Averill for the Army,

Donald Trump’s cabinet picks are beginning their nomination process this week, starting with Trump’s choice for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth

WASHINGTON (Gray DC ... Democrats on the Senate Armed Services committee addressing multiple allegations about his character. Pete Hegseth calling his treatment smear campaign.

Read about President Trump's appointment of Robert Salesses, a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer, as acting secretary of defense.