Pete Hegseth, nominated by President-elect Trump for Defense Secretary, faces scrutiny over outspoken views against women in combat roles and past sexual assault allegations. His nomination comes amid concerns about qualifications, integrity, and suitability for the position. He was critiqued for suggesting women complicate combat situations and allegedly settling a sexual assault claim in 2017. The Republican transition team is preparing alternative candidates as Hegseth's confirmation process nears, reflecting uneasiness among Trump’s allies and veteran advocacy groups denouncing his views as out of touch.