Hegseth faced questions from Democrats on his history of opposing women in the military, allegations of misconduct, and his ability to lead a department of three million employees and the largest military in the world. But Republicans seemed satisfied with his responses about sexual assault prevention and enthused by his belief that the Pentagon should be audited. They also hailed his promise to strengthen the military. With Republicans in control of the chamber, Hegseth will likely be confirmed when the Senate votes on Friday.
Why is he controversial? The former “Fox & Friends” commentator has been accused of sexual assault and excessive drinking in the workplace, but he has denied all wrongdoing, saying that he is the victim of a “smear campaign.”
What are the chances all of Trump’s picks get through? While most are likely to be approved, the fates of Kash Patel, Trump’s FBI pick, and Tulsi Gabbard, his nominee for director of national intelligence, are rocky.
“For Gabbard, the problem lies in selling Republican senators on a nominee who was a Democrat up until very recently and who has been on the other side of several crucial issues around intelligence collection,” says Eurasia Group’s US expert Clayton Allen.
Meanwhile, Patel, who is a right-wing commentator who has made negative statements about the FBI in the past, “appears to be struggling to explain what his plans for the FBI are, a point that makes it harder for members to look past his more extreme political views.”
1,170: The number of high-rise buildings in Kyiv that were left without heating following a barrage of Russian attacks last night on Ukraine’s capital and its energy facilities, per Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi hold up signed documents regarding securing the supply of critical minerals and rare earths, at a bilateral meeting at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo, Japan, October 28, 2025.
Representatives from the European Union, United Kingdom, Japan, and others will meet in Washington this week to discuss a strategic alliance on critical minerals.
80,000: The number of people estimated to be in the streets of Czechia on Sunday to show their support for President Petr Pavel after he blocked the nomination of an environmental minister who performed the Nazi salute and posted Nazi memorabilia.
The US has started handing $1,000 to the bank accounts of newborn babies. But can policies like this one help boost sagging birthrates in advanced democracies?