Fetterman became the first Democrat to meet with Pete Hegseth ahead of his nomination as secretary of defense

Pete Hegseth met with Senator John Fetterman (D-PA). Donald Trump's nominee to head the Department of Defense was greeted on Capitol Hill by the Democratic senator, who so far is the only one to agree to a meeting. Hegseth celebrated the meeting on his social media, while Fetterman deflected reporters' questions as he left his office.

In the face of a stormy nomination, as Hegseth faces allegations against him about alleged sexual misconduct and alcoholism problems, Trump's nominee met with the Pennsylvania senator.

"It was a wonderful meeting. He's thoughtful. He's independent-minded. Defense, as I've said, is not political. National security is important for Democrats and Republicans. A great conversation with the Senator," Hegseth assured immediately after the meeting.

"Thank you John Fetterman for your fairness, courage & hospitality. I appreciate our time together — and your commitment to the troops, American defense & our ally Israel. And, from a Vikings fan…go Steelers," he added on his X account a few hours later.

For his part, the Pennsylvania Democrat deflected questions about the details of the meeting. On his way out of his congressional office, he told a group of reporters, "We agreed that the Steelers are going to win. He doesn't have a real opinion on Sheetz or Wawa, he doesn't have a lot of real experience on that. But of course we know Sheetz is the right one."

Who is Pete Hegseth?

Hegseth, current host of Fox & Friends, has an extensive military career. He joined the Army in the early 2000s after graduating from Princeton University. He served first at Guantanamo Bay where he was an infantry platoon leader with the Minnesota National Guard.

He was deployed to Iraq and received the Bronze Star Medal for his service. The Bronze Star is awarded to those who distinguish themselves by heroic acts or meritorious service. Years later he returned to service and was sent to Afghanistan. Subsequently, he completed his studies with a master's degree at Harvard University.

After a brief Senate campaign in 2012, he served as executive director of Concerned Veterans for America. He joined Fox News as a contributor and has since become a familiar face to conservative audiences in the United States.

"I am honored to announce that I have nominated Pete Hegseth to serve in my Cabinet as The Secretary of Defense. Pete has spent his entire life as a Warrior for the Troops, and for the Country. Pete is tough, smart and a true believer in America First," Trump said in the statement announcing Hegseth's nomination.