Pete Hegseth was confirmed as the U.S. defense secretary on Friday following a historic 50-50 vote in the Senate, with Vice President JD Vance breaking the tie. The confirmation marks a significant victory for President Donald Trump amid staunch opposition from Democrats and some Republicans to the controversial nominee.
Hegseth, a decorated veteran and former Fox News personality, was sworn in on Saturday by Vice President Vance. In a statement to the military, Hegseth emphasized his commitment to “restoring the warrior ethos, rebuilding our military, and re-establishing deterrence.” He outlined his priorities, including deterring aggression from Communist China in the Indo-Pacific and supporting the administration’s goal of responsibly ending wars while addressing key threats.
The confirmation process was marked by intense partisan debate, with three Republican senators—Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, and Mitch McConnell—joining all Democrats and independents in opposing the nomination. McConnell, who recently stepped down as the Senate’s Republican leader, criticized Hegseth’s qualifications, stating, “Mere desire to be a ‘change agent’ is not enough to fill these shoes.”
Hegseth’s appointment is one of the most divisive in recent history, with critics questioning his managerial experience, temperament, and positions on women in combat roles. His confirmation is the second time a cabinet nominee has required a tie-breaking vote by a vice president, following Betsy DeVos’s confirmation as education secretary in 2017.
Historians note the unprecedented nature of Hegseth’s selection for a role traditionally filled by candidates with significant bipartisan support and extensive experience managing large organizations. His leadership of the Pentagon is expected to face intense scrutiny as he seeks to implement substantial changes within the U.S. military.
