With two G.O.P. senators opposed, Pete Hegseth, President Trump’s pick for defense secretary, can afford to lose only one more. If he is confirmed, it is likely to be by the smallest margin for that post in modern times.

Even the president isn’t sure if his defense-secretary pick can squeak through what is expected to be an extremely close confirmation vote in the Republican-controlled Senate.

The Senate is muscling Pete Hegseth’s nomination as defense secretary toward confirmation. The Republican senators are prioritizing the former Fox News host and combat veteran’s vow to create a “warrior culture” at the Pentagon over allegations of heavy drinking and aggressive behavior toward women.