Hegseth confirmed as Trump's defense secretary in tie-breaking vote despite turmoil over his conduct [View all]

Source: Associated Press

Hegseth confirmed as Trump’s defense secretary in tie-breaking vote despite turmoil over his conduct

By LISA MASCARO, MARY CLARE JALONICK and FARNOUSH AMIRI
Updated 11:00 PM EST, January 24 2025

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as the nation’s defense secretary late Friday in a dramatic tie-breaking vote, swatting back questions about his qualifications to lead the Pentagon amid allegations of heavy drinking and aggressive behavior toward women.

Rarely has a Cabinet nominee faced such wide-ranging concerns about his experience and behavior as Hegseth, particularly for such a high-profile role atop the U.S. military. But the Republican-led Senate was determined to confirm Hegseth, a former Fox News host and combat veteran who has vowed to bring a “warrior culture,” rounding out President Donald Trump’s top national security Cabinet officials.

Vice President JD Vance arrived to break the 50-50 tie, highly unusual for Cabinet nominees and particularly defense secretaries, who typically win wider bipartisan support. Hegseth himself was at the Capitol with his family.

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Read more: https://apnews.com/article/pete-hegseth-defense-secretary-trump-cabinet-confirmation-12491935023692bce0a04d149663e784