WASHINGTON – The Senate narrowly confirmed Pete Hegseth on Friday as secretary of Defense, a win for President Donald Trump's new administration after its 44-year-old nominee fended offallegations of sexual assault, public drinking and intoxication, and abusive treatment of women.
Vance, a former Ohio Senator, quipped on X as the vote continued to roll in, "I thought I was done voting in the senate," adding a laugh-cry emoji.
Lisa Murkowski, of Alaska, Susan Collins, of Maine, and Mitch McConnell, of Kentucky, the former Republican Senate leader who has previously clashed with Trump, joined all Democrats to vote against him.
Hegseth showed up in person for the vote, which is unusual.
McConnell said in a statement that leading the United States Armed Forces is "a massive and solemn responsibility."
"Mr. Hegseth has failed, as yet, to demonstrate that he will pass this test," he said.
Hegseth's background, especially his minimal government experience significantly differs from past secretaries of Defense. »
