Hegseth, 44, has developed a close rapport with Trump, who also reportedly considered him for a post in his first administration. Hegseth has lobbied Trump to release service members accused of war crimes.

Here are a few things to know about Hegseth.

He's questioned the role of women in combat

Hegseth has pushed for making the military more lethal and said that allowing women to serve in combat roles hurts that effort.