Senate Confirms Pete Hegseth As Defense Secretary In 51-50 Vote

Pete Hegseth secured the position of Secretary of Defense late Friday after Vice President JD Vance cast a tie-breaking vote in the Senate. The confirmation process proved challenging, with all Democrats and three Republicans voting against him, resulting in a 50-50 split before Vance’s intervention.

Republican senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Mitch McConnell (R-KY) opposed Hegseth’s nomination, citing concerns over his background and leadership style. Murkowski pointed to past allegations of misconduct, stating she was troubled by Hegseth’s admitted history of infidelity and concerns about his views on women in combat roles.

Despite facing criticism, Hegseth gained support from key Republicans like Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), who said Hegseth’s military service and commitment to reforming the Department of Defense were deciding factors in his support. Tillis stressed that his decision was made after extensive discussions with the nominee.

Hegseth, a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, has vowed to overhaul the Pentagon’s priorities by cutting DEI initiatives and focusing on combat readiness. He previously served as an advocate for veterans and a television host, roles that his opponents argue do not provide the experience necessary to lead the military’s largest agency.

Following the vote, President Donald Trump praised the confirmation and expressed confidence that Hegseth would bring much-needed change to the Pentagon.

The confirmation of Hegseth follows a more straightforward process earlier in the week, when Secretary of State Marco Rubio was approved by a unanimous 99-0 Senate vote.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR