Democrats questioned military veteran Hegseth over accusations of sexual assault, infidelity and drinking in the workplace.

No Republicans came out against him, making him appear to be all but certain to take on the role, which would make him the youngest defence secretary in decades at the age of 44.

Some Republicans believe that his lack of experience is a “breath of fresh air” and could be a strength.

"I just want to say for all the talk of experience and not coming from the same cocktail parties that permanent Washington is used to, you are a breath of fresh air," Senator Eric Schmitt, a Republican from Missouri, said.

Hegseth was an infantry platoon leader in Guantanamo Bay and Iraq and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

It has been reported by US media that the former Fox News TV host’s tenures leading two non-profit veterans groups ended in financial disarray.

In his opening statements, he said, "Warfighting, lethality, meritocracy, standards, and readiness. That's it. That is my job.”

Hegseth was critical of policies he believed to harm the “lethality of the military, particularly racial and gender diversity quotas, “This is not a time for equity.”