Republicans senators projected optimism Thursday that Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trump's controversial pick to be the next Pentagon chief, will ultimately be confirmed, despite a 2017 sexual assault allegation against him.

Hegseth visited the Capitol alongside Vice President-elect JD Vance in a bid to help his confirmation process, meeting with Republican Sens. John Barrasso (Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (Tenn.), Markwayne Mullin (Okla.), Bill Hagerty (Tenn.), Eric Schmitt (Mo.) and Roger Wicker (Miss.), the incoming chair of the Armed Services Committee.

Wicker said the Army veteran and former Fox News host was in “pretty good shape” for his confirmation process, while Mullin said he believes Hegseth “can explain all the situations” and that he is "going to be just fine."

Hegseth briefly spoke to reporters about the sexual assault claim, which was revealed last week, with new details emerging overnight Wednesday. He said “the........

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