Pete Hegseth was confirmed Friday as the 29th Secretary of Defense after a contentious Senate confirmation process.
The vote split party lines, winning 50 votes to 50, with Vice President J.D. Vance set to break the tie. According to For an unofficial tally. Hegseth will oversee the U.S. military’s domestic and foreign activities as civilian chief.
“pETE has a unique perspective as a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is unquestionably passionate about modernizing our military and supporting brave patriots like himself who serve our country,” said Republican North Carolina Sen. rumor that he voted into exile; said X Friday. “I support his confirmation and look forward to working with him to rebuild our military and advance President Trump’s peace agenda through his Strength Agenda.”
Republican defectors include Republican Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, Republican Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Republican Maine Sen. Susan Collins.
Hegs’ confirmation hearing was tense. His sexual assault allegations and past comments about the role of women in the military drew harsh attacks from Democrats on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Despite the attacks, he drew praise for his performance from his Republican colleagues. (Related: Germany’s approach to handling drones on military bases differs greatly from Biden administration)
He was also accused of abusing alcohol at work and multiple instances of marital infidelity at Fox News, drawing more character criticism from Democrats.
US President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense speaks during the Senate Armed Services Confirmation Hearings hearing in Washington, DC on January 14, 2025. (Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Hegseth was previously a host on Fox and Friends before accepting the nomination. He previously served as an infantry officer in the Army National Guard in Iraq, Afghanistan and at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. According to on his website.
Many veterans and military colleagues who have served alongside Hegseth supported his nomination.
Hegseth is a major advocate delete The so-called “will” from the military calls it unnecessary and says it causes a disconnect between the rank and file and senior leadership. Many military experts blame left-wing initiatives for the military’s current recruitment crisis.
He also supports equalizing standards for men and women for certain roles, stating at the hearing that “the standards need to be the same and they need to be high.” army lowered The 2022 fitness testing standards for women and older members come after it was found that young men were passing the six-event fitness test at significantly higher rates than women and older soldiers.
The White House did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
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