First Thing: Trump Pentagon nominee endorses extremist Christian doctrine

Pete Hegseth wants to make government subordinate to Old Testament law. Plus, the Australians lining up to sniff a flower that smells like a rotten carcass

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Good morning.

Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump's pick for defense secretary, endorsed an extremist Christian doctrine that envisions civil government being subordinate to Old Testament law in a series of podcasts released last year.

How likely is his confirmation? Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska have become the first Republicans to publicly come out against Hegseth, putting his confirmation in doubt.

What are communities doing to deal with this? Advocates for migrants are encouraging residents to attend workshops to familiarize themselves with their rights.