Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut cast doubt Tuesday on nominee Pete Hegseth’s ability to run the Department of Defense, pointing to claims of financial mismanagement when President-elect Donald Trump’s pick ran a pair of veterans’ groups.

Michigan's U.S. senators voted in committee against Trump's picks to lead the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth, and White House budget office, Russell Vought.

Pete Hegseth and other appointees of President-elect Donald Trump headed to the Senate this week for hearings. In particular Hegseth – tapped by Trump to lead the Department of Defense – faced scrutiny.

“Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest,” a spokesperson for the agency said in a statement. “The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement, and instead trusts them to use common sense.”

The Alaska Republican’s decision Thursday comes ahead of a crucial test vote to advance Hegseth’s nomination toward confirmation.

Democrats have expressed concern over the delay and how thorough the report on Trump’s embattled defense secretary pick will be.

The Defense Department’s responsibility is focused on the use of the military, whether it’s to deter attacks or defend American interests. The secretary must make sure the military is equipped and trained – ready – to fight and win the nation’s wars and to conduct any other operations, such as humanitarian, counterterrorism or peace operations.

Pete Hegseth ... David: From the country’s standpoint, Hegseth’s greatest weakness is his complete lack of experience in significant management. Being defense secretary is probably the ...

Trump ends second part of Hannity interview by repeatedly calling Jack Smith ‘a moron’: Live - President keeps on the attack in latest installment of sitdown with Fox News host

The Trump cabinet is taking shape as Republicans rush to confirm key nominees, but Democrats are raising concerns about some of the picks and working to slow the process.

A slate of President Trump’s Cabinet nominees have appeared before senators in recent days for key hearings on their road to confirmation. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) was the first to be confirmed,