The Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as defence secretary in a dramatic late-night vote following a high-tempered battle marked by behavioural accusations.
Vance’s tiebreaking vote
The outcome resulted in a 50-50 split, with three Republicans opposing, necessitating Vice President JD Vance‘s tiebreaking vote.
Republican senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, and former GOP leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky cast dissenting votes.
Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, whose position remained uncertain until the voting process, ultimately supported Trump’s nomination, enabling confirmation through Vance’s decisive vote.
Murkowski’s opposition stemmed from concerns about infidelity, “allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking” and Hegseth’s previous statements regarding women in military service.
She emphasised that his acknowledged conduct demonstrated poor judgement unsuitable for a military leader.
Concerned Veterans for America (CVA), the organisation implicated in various allegations during the confirmation hearings, issued a supportive statement following his confirmation.
‘A real opportunity to prioritise the security and prosperity of our citizens’
“The confirmation of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense presents a real opportunity to prioritise 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.
A December report by The New Yorker revealed Hegseth’s forced departure from CVA, his former organisation, citing financial mismanagement, sexual impropriety and personal misconduct allegations.
The unanimous Democratic opposition contrasted sharply with the recent unanimous confirmation of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, approved 99-0.
As the new head of the government’s largest agency, Hegseth has committed to eliminating Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives across all branches.
