Well, I don't know anything, I've proved that several times, but this is what I have read and heard. 

Hegseth won't be getting the job but has been told to keep fighting and make the biggest stink possible. He seems to be doing that. That's a show serving a couple purposes apparently.

Trump wants DeSantis to give Rubio's Senate to Lara Trump. DeSantis wants a payoff if he does that, most believe that payoff is a big job in Trump's new administration. Hence why Trump is talking about giving DeSantis the Secretary of Defense job.

DeSantis wants to take Rubio's seat himself, he is about to be the guy without a chair in the musical chairs game, because he can't run for governor again in Florida. If he gave himself Rubio's Senate job that would be great for him but Trump does not want that. 

So, Hegseth is being told continue to scream he is being smeared while Trump and DeSantis work out terms. It's a show. 

The Senate has told Trump, at least according to what is happening, that his picks will be subject to FBI background checks or they won't be getting Senate confirmation. So, it looks like maybe the Senate has stood up to Trump and Trump caved. Plus his choices have been off the wall ridiculous so, the background check thing is supposed to eliminate the real problems...like Hegseth, Gabbard, and RFK. 

Gabbard apparently has not gone over well in her meetings with Republican Senators, who are said to have described her as the most idiotic, unqualified, and unprepared candidate they have ever spoken to.