Pete Hegseth Confirmed As Defense Secretary After Intense Senate Battle

Pete Hegseth has been confirmed as Secretary of Defense following a closely contested Senate vote, with Vice President JD Vance casting the deciding vote after the chamber was deadlocked at 50-50. The confirmation, finalized late Friday, faced resistance from Senate Democrats and Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Mitch McConnell (R-KY), all of whom voted against Hegseth.

Throughout the confirmation process, Hegseth’s personal life and qualifications were heavily scrutinized. Critics raised concerns over allegations of past misconduct, including infidelity and excessive drinking. Sen. Murkowski cited these issues, arguing they reflected poorly on his suitability for the high-level position. Hegseth denied all accusations, with his former wife publicly refuting claims of abuse.

Despite the opposition, Hegseth received key support from Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), who initially hesitated but later backed the nominee after reviewing his military background. Tillis emphasized Hegseth’s firsthand experience in combat and his dedication to rebuilding the military.

Following the confirmation, President Donald Trump praised Hegseth’s appointment, stating that he would focus on strengthening the military and removing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies that Trump argues have weakened the armed forces. Hegseth has promised to prioritize military readiness over social initiatives.

In contrast to the contentious battle over Hegseth’s nomination, Secretary of State Marco Rubio was confirmed earlier in the week with a unanimous 99-0 vote, highlighting the sharp division over Trump’s defense pick.

With Hegseth now in charge at the Pentagon, the administration is expected to implement further changes, including the reassignment of top military officials who have been supportive of DEI initiatives.