Pete Hegseth Confirmed as Secretary of Defense in Narrow Senate Vote
Pete Hegseth, former Fox News host and veteran, has been confirmed as the next Secretary of Defense. The U.S. Senate approved his nomination late Friday in a razor-thin 50-50 vote, with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the tie-breaking ballot. This marks only the second time in history a vice president’s vote decided a Cabinet nomination, the first being Betsy DeVos’s confirmation as Education Secretary in 2017 under President Trump’s first term.
Hegseth’s confirmation was far from certain. Three Republican senators – Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Susan Collins (Maine), and Mitch McConnell (Kentucky) – joined every Democratic and Independent senator in opposing his nomination. This opposition followed a close procedural vote on Thursday where Murkowski and Collins also voted against advancing Hegseth’s nomination.
The 44-year-old nominee faced significant scrutiny throughout the confirmation process. Hegseth has been the subject of numerous allegations concerning alcohol abuse, sexual misconduct, and financial mismanagement. His past comments on women in combat roles also drew considerable criticism. In response to detailed questions from Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) regarding these allegations, Hegseth submitted a letter which he subsequently posted on X (formerly Twitter). Tillis, after reviewing the information, announced his support for Hegseth on X, stating he had conducted “due diligence.”
Hegseth’s appointment adds to President Trump’s growing cabinet, which currently includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe.
About the Author: Shauneen Miranda is a reporter for States Newsroom’s Washington bureau. A University of Maryland alumna, she previously covered breaking news for Axios. This article was originally published by the Minnesota Reformer on January 25, 2025. The Minnesota Reformer is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network.