After a quiet few weeks, a media frenzy over Pete Hegseth's nomination is beginning to pick up again ahead of his Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday.
In a Sunday morning interview, Democratic senator Mark Kelly previewed some of the talking points his party has prepared - claiming Hegseth "does not seem to have the qualifications" for the role.
A copy of Hegseth's military performance reviews obtained by Fox News Digital described him as an "incredibly talented, battle-proven leader."
Donald Trump stunned the political world by nominating Hegseth, an Army veteran and former Fox News host, to lead the nation's biggest employer.
The backlash was swift, with Hegseth facing anonymous accusations of lewd and drunken behavior in his past. Critics have also called him inexperienced, while Hegseth's defenders have said he will bring necessary change to a politicized Pentagon that has strayed from its mission.
In an interview with Face The Nation, Kelly cited an anonymous report in the New Yorker about Hegseth's alleged drinking at non-profit organizations for veterans.
A resurfaced letter from the board of one of those groups, Concerned Veterans for America said Hegseth left voluntarily and not because of any issues with his conduct.
"Margaret, let me just start by saying, there is not a job that’s more serious and more critical to our national security than Secretary of Defense, and we need a qualified individual in that job, and he just does not seem to have the qualifications. And then on top of that, you look at his personal conduct, especially when he was managing Veterans for Freedom and Concerned Veterans of America," Kelly said.
"You know, these two organizations were financially- financially mismanaged. There was reports of being into- intoxicated on the job, and creating an environment, you know, where there was, you know, some issues with, you know, sexual harassment. So I think it’s in the nominee, Mr. Hegseth’s, best interest if he wants to be confirmed for this job, for us to have all the information. You know, the information from these organizations, but also the FBI background check."
While Republican support for Hegseth wavered initially, he has gained momentum, with Senate GOP leaders coming to his defense.
John Barrasso, the Senate Majority Whip, joined Face the Nation for a separate interview Sunday, and said Hegseth is making progress.
"The meetings have gone very well. Things are heading in the right direction. The hearings start Tuesday, and they're going to be consequential," Barrasso told CBS earlier. "People will listen and make their own decision."
Hegseth can afford to lose just a few votes, with Republicans holding 53 seats in the Senate.
Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer (D-Ny.) plans to bring drama, as Democrats - newly locked out of power in D.C. - hope to climb out of their post-election slump by targeting Trump's Cabinet.
