Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald J. Trump’s embattled choice for secretary of defense, defiantly vowed on Thursday to earn the votes necessary for confirmation, seeking to allay Republican concerns over his fitness for the job and persuade Mr. Trump to stick with him.

Trump's choice of Hegseth is in jeopardy because of allegations of drinking and reports about his treatment of women.

Fox News host Pete Hegseth, who President-elect Trump tapped to head the Department of Defense, is facing an increasingly difficult path to Senate confirmation. Why it matters: Senate Republicans have expressed concerns about Trump's pick to lead the Pentagon as he has faced mounting allegations of sexual misconduct,