Watch the confirmation hearing for Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Defense, before the Senate Committee on Armed Services. Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth wants to change the way the Pentagon awards contracts, which would have an impact on a host of companies—from munitions providers to aircraft makers. Hegseth headed to Capitol Hill on Tuesday for his confirmation hearing He mentioned the contracting process in written testimony that he intended to give before the Senate Armed Services Committee.