Pete Hegseth thanked senators for their “amazing advice” as they scrutinize the incoming Trump administration’s nominee to head the Department of Defense during a grueling confirmation process.

President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to tap Hegseth to lead the Pentagon last month stunned Washington insiders, who fumed over the veteran’s outsider status and lack of bureaucratic experience in the military establishment. With Hegseth quickly being inundated by allegations of sexual misconduct and alcoholism, Trump’s allies have spent the past month endeavoring to solidify GOP support for the DOD nominee in the upper chamber ahead of his Senate confirmation vote.