Pete Hegseth faces an important test on Tuesday — but he won’t just have to prove himself to the senators who immediately began sparring over his nomination as Defense Secretary. His confirmation hearings are also an opportunity for Hegseth to make his case to the sizable share of Americans who don’t know him or don’t approve of President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to tap him for this key role in his administration.

The Senate is scheduled to begin hearings on his nomination on Tuesday and could face questioning on his base naming stance.