Washington – Veteran and former Fox News host Pete Hegses He will become the next Secretary of Defense after being confirmed late Friday by the US Senate by the narrowest margin.

Vice President JD Vance voted to break the vote to decide 50-50 After three senators, Lisa Murkovsky of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, they parted ways with the rest of the GOP to oppose Hegses.

All democratic and independent senators also opposed Hegses.

It was the second time in history that a Vice President’s vote was needed to break the impasse for Cabinet candidates. The first vote was appointed by President Donald Trump in his first term. In 2017, then-President Mike Pence was cast. Decide on the vote For Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education.

Hegseth, 44 years old, is thick Some claims About alcohol abuse, sexual misconduct and financial mismanagement. He also took the heat due to previous comments he made about women serving in combat roles.

On Friday night, Hegses posted on x letter He sent North Carolina Republican Sen. Tom Tillis in response to detailed questions raised by Tillis about the allegations. Tillis had not previously revealed how he would vote; I said In X, he was doing “due diligence” and he backed up Heggs.

Hegseth’s confirmation continued Close procedure slip On Thursday, when Markovsky and Collins opposed moving forward with his nomination along with Democrats and independents.

Hegseth will be participating Card Cabinet Check Poolso far, includes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA director John Ratcliffe.

Last updated at 7:01am, January 25th, 2025