This is part of Hello, Trumpworld, Slate’s reluctant guide to the people who will be calling the shots now—at least for as long as they last in Washington.

Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump's pick to lead the Pentagon, said women shouldn't serve in combat roles in the military before he walked his comments back.

"If you thought those kinds of questions would dominate the hearing, you must be living under the illusion that we live in a serious country."

Hegseth's comment came in response to a question on whether he'd pledged to be faithful in his marriages, not whether he'd sexually assaulted a woman.

A senator told Hegseth: "I suggest you do a little homework before you prepare for these types of negotiations."

Iowa Senator Joni Ernst announced that she would vote for Pete Hegseth to become Defense Secretary, making his path to Senate confirmation much easier.

Sen. Joni Ernst’s support is a huge boost to Hegseth’s prospects, all but assuring his confirmation as defense secretary barring twists in the GOP-led Senate.

Republicans appear poised to confirm Trump’s controversial nominee to lead the government’s largest and most complex agency

Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth will publicly face senators on Tuesday for the first time after weeks of privately pushing back on criticism over his qualifications and personal past

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary, has publicly faced senators for the first time.

The Senate begins holding confirmation hearings Tuesday for President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks, starting with Pete Hegseth for defense secretary.