Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s polarizing selection for US Secretary of Defense, has received approval for the position.
The 44-year-old former veteran and ex-Fox News presenter narrowly attained the leading post at the Pentagon with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote of 51-50.
Three Republican senators – Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky – allied with Democrats to oppose his nomination.
This marks the second occasion in history that a vice president has served to break a tie for a cabinet nominee. In 2017, then Vice President Mike Pence stepped in to break a tie confirming Mr. Trump’s earlier selection of Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education.
Mr. Trump commended Mr. Hegseth shortly following the vote, asserting he would be a “fantastic Secretary of Defense” in a message posted on Truth Social.
Nevertheless, throughout the confirmation hearing, which was interrupted by three protestors, Mr. Hegseth faced accusations of being inadequate for the role.
In the hours leading up to the vote, Democrat after Democrat took the floor of the Senate to voice objections.
During the debate, Senator Chris Murphy remarked that few Trump nominees are as ” dangerously and grossly unqualified as Hegseth”.
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Mr. Hegseth is regarded as the most divisive candidate to assume the US military’s highest office.
His selection evokes controversy due to previous statements and actions, including allegations of sexual misconduct – which he denies – excessive alcohol consumption, and disparaging opinions regarding women in combat roles within the military.
Nonetheless, the majority of Senate Republicans rallied to support Mr. Hegseth.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune remarked that as a veteran of the Army National Guard who has served in Iraq and Afghanistan, Mr. Hegseth will provide a “warrior’s perspective” to the role.
However, Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the leading Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, stated in a release that he would monitor the new Secretary of Defense “very closely” and “demand accountability.”
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Mr. Hegseth assumes his new position as the recent Trump administration has declared that border security and immigration will be areas of emphasis for the US military.
Limited details are known regarding his stance on significant foreign policy matters such as supporting Ukraine, preparing the US military for potential conflict with China, and whether he will advocate for reducing the country’s presence in regions like Syria and Iraq.
Former President Joe Biden’s Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, gained confirmation by a vote of 93-2 in 2021, while Jim Mattis, Mr. Trump’s initial Secretary of Defense during his previous administration, received confirmation through a vote of 98-1 in 2017.
