“I have witnessed many contentious confirmation hearings over the years and watched as the system has become increasingly partisan and vitriolic,” Ruth Marcus writes. But Tuesday’s appearance by defense secretary-designate Pete Hegseth before the Senate Armed Services Committee, she says, “represents a new low in that diminished process.”

Tuesday's hearing was supposed to be an opportunity to cross-examine Hegseth on his qualifications and character to be defense secretary, but it was a preen-fest for senators who clearly didn't care about the assignment.

Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, was grilled by senators of the Armed Services Committee. CNN’s Kaitlan Collins reports on the mood inside the room where Hegseth was greeted with applause.