Pete Hegseth Confirmed as Defense Secretary in Historic Tie-Breaking Vote

Vice President JD Vance cast the deciding vote after a contentious confirmation process marked by bipartisan opposition and scrutiny of Hegseth's qualifications and past conduct.

• Pete Hegseth, a former Army National Guard officer and Fox News host, was confirmed as Secretary of Defense with a 51-50 Senate vote, the narrowest margin in history for the position.
• Vice President JD Vance broke the tie after three Republican senators—Murkowski, Collins, and McConnell—joined Democrats in opposing Hegseth's nomination.
• Hegseth faced extensive scrutiny during the confirmation process over allegations of misconduct, regressive views on women in combat, and lack of high-level management experience.
• He pledged to restore a 'warrior ethos,' rebuild military strength, and focus on deterrence and readiness under Trump's 'America First' defense policy.
• Hegseth's confirmation aligns with Trump's broader efforts to remove diversity initiatives and downplay investigations into extremism within the military.

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