
The Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense after an evenly split vote, with Vice President JD Vance stepping in to cast the tie-breaking vote. The final 51-50 tally came after a heated confirmation process that saw stiff opposition from Senate Democrats and three Republican lawmakers—Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Mitch McConnell (R-KY).
Opponents of Hegseth’s nomination raised concerns about his lack of traditional defense leadership experience and past personal controversies, including accusations of misconduct. Murkowski pointed to his views on women in combat roles and previous allegations of infidelity and drinking as factors influencing her decision to vote against him. Hegseth rejected these claims and insisted he was committed to serving the military with integrity.
🚨BREAKING: President Trump just reacted to Pete Hegseth becoming the next Secretary of Defense:
"I'm honored to have Pete. I think Pete's gonna be a great Secretary of Defense and we're honored to have him."
pic.twitter.com/1FkvwuVTGx— Bo Loudon (@BoLoudon) January 25, 2025
Despite the backlash, Hegseth secured support from Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), who voiced confidence in his military service record and leadership potential. Tillis stated that Hegseth’s experience as a veteran provided a valuable perspective needed at the Pentagon.
Thank you for your confidence Mr. President.
Thank you for the tie-breaker Mr. Vice President.
Thank you Senators for 50 votes.
This is for the troops. For the warriors. For our country.
America First. Every day. We will never back down. 🇺🇸
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) January 25, 2025
President Donald Trump celebrated the confirmation, calling it a victory for his administration’s efforts to reorient the military toward its core mission. Hegseth has vowed to roll back DEI initiatives and focus on combat preparedness and national security.
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) January 25, 2025
The narrow confirmation vote came in stark contrast to the recent unanimous approval of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was confirmed without opposition earlier in the week.
🚨 WTF? Mitch McConnell immediately walked over and CELEBRATED with the Democrats after voting against Hegseth
This man HAS TO GO in 2026.
The people of Kentucky voted for Trump’s mandate—not this anti-Trump BS. pic.twitter.com/bfFZtayx51
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 25, 2025
With Hegseth taking the helm at the Department of Defense, further shifts in military leadership are anticipated as the Trump administration seeks to align the Pentagon with its strategic objectives.
Come primary season, let us all remember that Senators Susan Collins & Lisa Murkowski voted for this, while opposing Pete Hegseth:
pic.twitter.com/UqPUnRybLU— Jillian Anderson (@Jillie_Alexis) January 24, 2025
Pray for Pete Hegseth to serve as our next Secretary of Defense. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/VVH9V9gOMK
— CatholicVote (@CatholicVote) January 14, 2025