The Senate voted to confirm President Donald Trump’s nominee, Pete Hegseth, as defense secretary on Friday night, with a final vote of 51-50. The vote was tied at 50-50, with three Republicans opposing Hegseth, but Vice President JD Vance’s tie-breaking vote put Hegseth over the top.
Hegseth, a former Fox News host and Army national guardsman, has been criticized for his behavior, including allegations of sexual, physical, and alcohol abuse. He has denied all allegations and has been supported by some Republicans, including Senate Armed Services Chair Roger Wicker.
The confirmation vote was not without controversy, with some Republicans opposing Hegseth due to his behavior. Senate moderates Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, as well as former GOP leader Mitch McConnell, voted against Hegseth.
Hegseth’s confirmation comes as the Pentagon has already taken action despite not having a confirmed secretary. The commander of the Air Force’s 613th Air Operations Center in Hawaii was removed from her position, and Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan was removed from her position shortly after Trump took office.
Hegseth has promised to root out Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) measures across each branch of the military, and has been critical of the Biden administration’s policies at the Pentagon. He will now lead the government’s largest agency, despite being relatively young and inexperienced compared to previous defense secretaries.