One of President-elect Trump's most controversial nominees was the first to face the scrutiny of a Senate confirmation hearing.

A new PBS News, NPR Maris poll set to be released tomorrow, finds that Pete Heggseth, the nominee to lead the Department of Defense, has room to introduce himself to the country.

55% of Americans don't know enough about him to have an

opinion. Nineteen percent hold a favorable view of him, and 26 percent have a negative

impression. The nominee was questioned today about alleged sexual and financial misconduct,

as well as a concern that he lacks the experience to manage the defense department's more

than three million employees.

Hexeth has denied any wrongdoing.

Congressional correspondent Lisa Desjard Dan reports now on how Hegseth handled the hearing room spotlight.

U.S.A!

U.S.A!

U.S.A!

Supporters chanted as the Defense Secretary nominee took the hot seat.

When President Trump chose me for this position, the primary charge he gave me was to bring the warrior culture back to the Department of Defense.

For Pete Hegeseth, that means blocking diversity programs that conservatives challenge.

The dumbest phrase in military history is our unity is our strength.

No, our shared purpose is our strength.

Republicans see it as raising standards.

You are a breath of fresh air.

But Democrats see, a nominee who has repeatedly questioned women's rules in the military, including in a podcast about two months ago.

I'm straight up just saying we should not have women in combat roles.

It hasn't made us more effective.

...