"This is a battle that is just beginning," Pete Hegseth tells Republicans

 Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary, told Republicans on a prayer call Tuesday that “the battle is just beginning,” as he faces questions about his confirmation after a past sexual assault allegation surfaced that he denies.

Hegseth’s comments made during the call, which was hosted by the Republican National Committee and co-chair Lara Trump, are some of his first since he was announced as a pick for the president-elect’s Cabinet.

Hegseth asked those on the call to pray for Trump, incoming first lady Melania Trump and their family.

“This is a battle that is just beginning,” Hegseth said, noting his wife Jennifer was seated next to him as he was speaking. “I know in our family, we take that time to hold them up in prayer.”

The veteran-turned-Fox News host noted that his family has had “an outpouring of support” since he was named Trump’s selection for the defense post.

“That’s the reason why we can endure the attacks and the onslaughts,” he said.

Hegseth has not been charged in any criminal case or named as a defendant in any civil lawsuit in connection with the incident.