Hegseth confirmed as Pentagon chief after Vance broke a tie in the US Senate

WASHINGTON — Veteran and former Fox News host Pete Hegseth will become the next defense secretary after being confirmed delayed Friday by the U.S. Senate by a narrow majority.

Vice President J.D. Vance cast the deciding vote in favor of the breach 50-50 after three Republican senators – Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky – split with the rest of the GOP to vote against Hegseth.

Every Democratic and independent senator was also against Hegseth.

It was only the second time in history that a vice president’s vote was needed to break a deadlock in the selection of a Cabinet nominee – and the first time, he was also nominated by President Donald Trump during his first term. In 2017, then-Vice President Mike Pence filled the position casting vote for Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education.

Hegseth, 44, was in a challenging situation several allegations related to alcohol abuse, sexual misconduct and financial mismanagement. He also became irritated by previous comments about women serving in combat.

On Friday evening, Hegseth posted a copy on X letter sent North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis in response to detailed questions from Tillis regarding the allegations. Tillis, who has not previously revealed how he will vote, he said to X that he had performed “due diligence” and would support Hegseth.

There was confirmation of Hegseth close procedural vote on Thursday, when Murkowski and Collins, along with Democrats and independents, opposed his nomination.

Hegseth will now join Trump’s cabinet confirmation poolwhich so far includes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe.

Last updated: 8:01 am, January 25, 2025

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