The Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary in a bitter, historic late-night vote. At the last second of a late-Friday debate marked by scolding and controversy, the Senate decided 51 to 50. Vice President JD Vance provided a tiebreaker cast, just for the second time in the U.S. that a vice president had intervened for a Cabinet confirmation.
Hegseth, a former Fox News host, and Army National Guard veteran, was accused of misconduct, including excessive drinking and inappropriate behavior. Hegseth denied these accusations, but three Republican senators, Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), crossed party lines with all Democrats in opposition.
Supporters say Hegseth’s military experience and commitment to a “warrior culture” would strengthen national defense at the Pentagon. Hegseth, said Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), would eliminate “woke distractions” and bring combat readiness back as priorities.
In the confirmation process, Hegseth vowed to address some of the concerns, such as abstaining from alcohol while serving. Critics raised questions about his past comments on women in combat roles and allegations of infidelity, which made some question his judgment.
This confirmation is a significant milestone for the Republican-led Senate as it shows that President Donald Trump is shaping his national security agenda. President Trump celebrated by saying, “We have a great Secretary of Defense who will serve this nation with honor and dedication.”
As Hegseth becomes the new head of the Pentagon, his leadership is expected to usher in many new changes, especially toward the tendency of curbing diversity initiatives and reinstating traditional military values. His confirmation thus represents ongoing divisions in Congress as it makes national defense and other societal expectations truly hard to balance.
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