WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as the nation’s defense secretary Friday in a dramatic late-night vote, swatting back questions about his qualifications to lead the Pentagon amid allegations of heavy drinking and aggressive behavior toward women.
Rarely has a Cabinet nominee faced such wide-ranging concerns about his experience and behavior as Hegseth, a former Fox News host and combat veteran who has vowed to bring a “warrior culture” to the top Pentagon job.
Vice President JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote, unusual in the Senate for Cabinet nominees, who typically win wider support. Hegseth himself was at the Capitol with his family.
Despite the concerns, Trump expressed confidence in Hegseth, saying “We have a great secretary of defense and we’re very happy” and that the “important thing is winning.”
The Senate’s ability to confirm Hegseth despite grave series of allegations against him will provide a measure of Trump’s political power and ability to get what he wants from the GOP-led Congress, and of the potency of the culture wars to fuel his agenda at the White House.
The confirmation process was marked by controversy, with Hegseth facing allegations of sexual assault, abusive behavior, and concerns about his qualifications to lead the nation’s military. Despite the criticism, Republican lawmakers stood by his nomination, and some, including Sen. Thom Tillis, even praised his perspective on modernizing the military.
The confirmation vote was 53-45, with all Democrats and two Republicans, Senators Mitch McConnell and Lisa Murkowski, voting against Hegseth. Hegseth faces a host of challenges ahead, including managing a massive military budget and addressing concerns about military culture and diversity and inclusion initiatives.