Awkward exchanges about the defense secretary hopeful’s past were plentiful as Democrats went after the first embattled Trump pick to face a confirmation hearing.

Hegseth soon pointed to his 7-year-old daughter from the latter affair ... presidents’ defense secretary nominees. “Sen. [Chuck] Hagel was afforded three rounds. Ash Carter, two rounds.

The assessment appeared to irk Hegseth, who responded by saying that his daughter is a “child of ... earning a Silver Star for valor in Iraq. Chuck Hagel, one of President Barack Obama’s ...