The U.S. Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as the 29th Secretary of Defense late Friday night, concluding a heated and weeks-long confirmation process marked by political division and unsubstantiated allegations.
The confirmation vote was razor-thin, with all 47 Senate Democrats joined by three Republicans—Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Mitch McConnell (R-KY)—in voting against Hegseth. This deadlock forced Vice President J.D. Vance to step in and cast the tie-breaking vote.
“If not, on this vote, the yea’s are 50 and the nay’s are 50. The Senate being equally divided, the vice president votes in the affirmative, and the nomination is confirmed,” announced Vance, finalizing the confirmation. The chamber erupted in applause as Hegseth was officially designated Secretary of Defense.
Allegations and Media Scrutiny
Hegseth’s confirmation process was marred by what he described as a politically motivated “smear campaign.” Mainstream media outlets and Senate Democrats repeatedly attacked the Trump nominee over allegations that were either unsubstantiated or disproven.
One of the most serious accusations came from an unnamed woman who claimed Hegseth sexually assaulted her during a Republican women’s conference in 2017 in Monterey, California. However, police reports and surveillance footage cast doubt on the claim, indicating the encounter was consensual. The woman, who was married at the time, allegedly made the accusation to conceal infidelity from her husband, who was staying at the same hotel.
In a separate report, NBC News cited anonymous sources claiming Hegseth struggled with heavy drinking during his tenure at Fox News. The report alleged he often came to work smelling of alcohol and created an unsafe work environment. These claims were vehemently denied by dozens of Fox News employees, who labeled the accusations as baseless.
Hegseth’s Response
During his fiery opening statement at the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Hegseth addressed the allegations head-on, calling them part of a coordinated effort to undermine his candidacy.
“The media in America today, sadly, doesn’t care about the truth. All they’re out to do is destroy me,” Hegseth said. “Why? Because I’m a change agent and a threat to them. Donald Trump chose me to bring the Defense Department back to what it really should be: war-fighting.”
Hegseth emphasized his extensive military experience, which includes multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, countering criticisms of his qualifications to lead the Department of Defense.
Divisions Among Republicans
While many Senate Republicans rallied behind Hegseth, three GOP senators broke ranks to vote against his confirmation.
Lisa Murkowski, who previously voted to confirm several of President Biden’s nominees, cited concerns about the unproven allegations and questioned Hegseth’s qualifications. “I cannot support someone whose record and experience do not align with the responsibilities of the Department of Defense,” she said.
Susan Collins echoed Murkowski’s sentiments, while former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s opposition came as a surprise to many. McConnell, 82, has grown increasingly critical of President Trump in recent months, leading some to speculate that his vote was influenced by broader tensions within the Republican Party.
Support and Endorsements
Despite these defections, Hegseth secured endorsements from several senators who had initially expressed reservations about his nomination. Notably, Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Senator John Curtis (R-UT) reversed their earlier positions after Hegseth’s testimony, citing his commitment to reforming the Defense Department.
The Road Ahead
Hegseth’s confirmation marks a significant victory for President Trump, who faced stiff resistance in pushing his nominee through the Senate. It also underscores the deep partisan divide in Washington, with Republicans largely rallying behind the president’s pick and Democrats opposing it at every turn.
As Secretary of Defense, Hegseth is expected to implement Trump’s vision for the Department of Defense, which includes prioritizing combat readiness and restructuring the Pentagon to focus on “war-fighting.”
Hegseth’s confirmation also sends a clear message to Trump’s critics: the president is committed to installing allies who share his vision, even in the face of intense opposition.
Conclusion
Pete Hegseth’s confirmation as Secretary of Defense caps a contentious and highly politicized process that highlighted the divisions in Washington. Despite facing unproven allegations and media scrutiny, Hegseth’s resilience and support from the Trump administration ultimately carried him over the finish line.
As he assumes his new role, all eyes will be on Hegseth to see how he navigates the challenges of leading the Department of Defense in a polarized political climate.