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In a significant political development, Pete Hegseth secured confirmation as secretary of defense through a narrow Senate vote, with Vice President J.D. Vance breaking the tie after facing opposition from three Republican senators.
Former President Donald Trump celebrated the victory, displaying indifference when informed about Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s opposing vote. “I didn’t even know that,” Trump remarked. “No, I don’t know that. I just heard that we won. Winning is what matters, right?”
Pete Hegseth’s first words as Secretary of Defense:
“All praise and glory to God. His will be done."
Amen. pic.twitter.com/h4rBFq6ck4
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) January 25, 2025
The contentious confirmation process, concluding with a 51-50 vote, involved McConnell, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski voting against Hegseth’s appointment.
During the confirmation process, Hegseth encountered various allegations questioning his character. These included misconceptions about his tattoos’ symbolism, which were later clarified as expressions of his Christian faith rather than white supremacist connections.
A 2017 police investigation thoroughly dismissed rape allegations against Hegseth, with surveillance footage contradicting the accuser’s claims. Former colleagues at Concerned Veterans for America raised concerns about his workplace conduct, particularly regarding alcohol consumption at company events.
The moment it became official: @PeteHegseth is your next Secretary of Defense. Thank you, @JDVance. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/E5noMOGbm3
— Markwayne Mullin (@SenMullin) January 25, 2025
The confirmation hearings also brought attention to family-related controversies, including a critical email from Hegseth’s mother to the New York Times, which she later retracted. Democrats highlighted allegations from his former sister-in-law regarding alleged spousal abuse.
Responding to these claims, Hegseth’s ex-wife, Samantha Deering, firmly rejected the accusations in an email to NBC News: “I do not believe your information to be accurate, and I have cc’d my lawyer. There was no physical abuse in my marriage.” Deering declined further comment, requesting privacy.