Republicans back Hegseth for Pentagon as Gaetz withdraws from attorney general race

Republicans are supporting Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for the Pentagon, despite new allegations of sexual assault from 2017. This comes as Matt Gaetz withdrew from consideration for attorney general amid his own misconduct allegations. Hegseth's nomination is moving forward, with GOP senators downplaying the allegations against him. They are under pressure to confirm Trump's Cabinet quickly, even as concerns about proper vetting remain. Senators have expressed private worries about Gaetz, who stepped down after discussions with colleagues. The Senate will need to balance its constitutional role in confirming nominees with Trump's push for swift appointments.