Tonight, the fiery confirmation hearing, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for Defense Secretary

grilled on Capitol Hill. Pete Hanksath, now the first Trump cabinet pick on the hot seat before the Senate.

The Army National Guard veteran and former Fox News host clashing with Democrats claiming he's the victim of a smear campaign.

Amid allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking.

And what he now says about women in the military after stating in the past they shouldn't serve in combat.

Also tonight, the new fire breaking out, the Los Angeles area now under a particularly dangerous red flag warning for strong winds.

Crews still battling the biggest infernoes and

what's being learned about what sparked them. The final special counsel report released on

Donald Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election. Our nightly news exclusive, inside Iran,

my one-on-one conversation with the Iranian president, we ask him directly,

did Iran plan to assassinate President-elect Trump, and will it try in the future?

Are you willing to promise that there will be no attempt on the life of Donald Trump?

How he answered that question and his reaction to the possible ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed Hamas.

And Princess Kate, the good news she's announcing about her battle with cancer.

This is NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt.

Good evening and welcome.

The political will behind President-elect Trump's second cabinet

is getting its first test to listen in on the Senate confirmation hearing of decorated

combat veteran and former Fox News host Pete Hegseth. You would be left thinking he is either

unfit to lead the Pentagon or an excellent choice as a change agent for a sprawling

military bureaucracy. Democrats focusing on HeggSSS past comments about women in combat,

as well as allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking.

...