Senate Confirms Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense

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Pete Hegseth was narrowly confirmed by the Senate on Friday night to become President Donald Trump’s defense secretary.

Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) both announced a day earlier they would not vote to confirm Hegseth, a former Fox News host facing allegations of alcohol addiction and sexual assault. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) also voted against the nomination.

With the Senate deadlocked 50-50, Vice President JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote in favor of the nomination. Democrats voted in unison against confirming the former Fox & Friends Weekend host.

It was rumored in some conservative circles Friday night that Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) was considering voting no on Hegseth’s confirmation, but he voted in favor of the 44-year-old being appointed to run the Pentagon.

Trump nominated Hegseth as defense secretary on Nov. 13 but his appointment was in doubt within hours when it was revealed he settled out of court with a woman who previously accused him of sexual assault. The 20-year National Guard veteran was not charged with a crime and denies the allegation.

The nominee also faced questions over his alleged abuse of alcohol and his marital infidelities.

Previous remarks Hegseth made about women serving in combat roles were also raised, which the former TV host said were not entirely indicative of his current views on the matter.

He said he declined to withdraw his name from consideration because Trump had tapped him specifically to bring “warrior culture back to the Department of Defense.”