Pete Hegseth confirmed as Secretary of Defense

Vice President JD Vance casted the tie breaking vote that confirmed Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense. All Democrats voted against Hegseth, as did Republican senators Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Susan Collins (Maine), and Mitch McConnell (Kentucky).  Murkowski felt that Hegseth’s comments on women in the military as well as the allegations against him were unbecoming for leading the military. President Donald Trump congratulated Hegseth on Truth Social, saying that he would make a great Secretary of Defense.

From Fox News:

The Senate’s two moderate Republican women: Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Susan Collins, R-Maine, voted no. As did Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., the former GOP leader.

North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis’ support was not a given, and he did not reveal his stance until the vote was already underway. He ultimately said he would back Trump’s pick, giving him enough support to be confirmed with Vance’s tie-breaking vote.

In her reasoning, Murkowski cited infidelity, “allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking” and Hegseth’s previous comments on women serving in the military.

The behaviors he has admitted to alone, she said, show “a lack of judgment that is unbecoming of someone who would lead our armed forces.”

Concerned Veterans for America (CVA), the nonprofit advocacy group at the center of many of the accusations brought up during Hegseth’s confirmation hearing, praised his confirmation in a statement.

“The confirmation of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense presents a real opportunity to prioritize the security and prosperity of our citizens, champion prudence and effectiveness in our defense strategy, and focus our Department of Defense on America’s most vital interests,” the statement read.

Additional Reading:

Phillips, M. & Johnson, J. (2025, January 24). Pete Hegseth confirmed to lead Pentagon after VP Vance casts tie-breaking vote. Fox News. Link.

Category: Military issues, Pentagon