The United States Senate narrowly approved a former Fox News co-host, Pete Hegseth, as the new Secretary of Defense on Friday, despite lingering allegations of alcohol abuse, sexual misconduct, and doubts about his capacity to lead the world’s most formidable military.
The 50-50 Senate deadlock necessitated a tiebreaking vote by J.D. Vance, marking only the second instance in history where a vice president stepped in to secure a Cabinet nomination.
Three Republican senators—Susan Collins, Mitch McConnell, and Lisa Murkowski—broke ranks to oppose former President Donald Trump’s nominee.
Hegseth’s confirmation comes at a critical juncture, with global challenges such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East despite temporary ceasefires in Lebanon and Gaza, and heightened military involvement along the U.S.-Mexico border.
The 44-year-old, a former Army National Guard officer, transitions from his role as a Fox News co-host—one of Trump’s favoured networks—into leading the Pentagon, the country’s largest employer, with three million personnel.
Known for his combative style, unwavering loyalty to Trump, and media-savvy presence, Hegseth has drawn both fierce support and sharp criticism.
Proponents point to his combat deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq as qualifications that uniquely position him to lead the Defense Department, even as detractors question his lack of experience managing an organization of its size.
Hegseth has vowed to refocus the military on “lethality” and reinstate a “warrior culture” at the Pentagon.
Despite allegations of financial impropriety during his tenure at veterans’ nonprofits, excessive drinking, and accusations of sexual assault, Republican lawmakers pushed forward his nomination.
During his confirmation hearing, Hegseth dismissed these claims as part of a “coordinated smear campaign,” acknowledging, “I am not a perfect person, but redemption is real.”
Trump remained steadfast in his support, stating, “Pete’s a very, very good man.”
Controversial Allegations
The dissent among Republicans was highlighted by Senator Lisa Murkowski, who expressed concerns about Hegseth’s character.
“Past behaviors Mr. Hegseth has admitted to, including infidelity on multiple occasions, demonstrate a lack of judgment that is unbecoming of someone who would lead our armed forces,” she wrote on X the day before the vote.
Adding to the controversy, Hegseth’s former sister-in-law, Danielle Hegseth, submitted an affidavit to lawmakers alleging a pattern of troubling behaviour.
“I believe Hegseth has an alcohol abuse problem and was abusive to his ex-wife Samantha,” the affidavit stated, though Danielle clarified she had not personally witnessed physical or sexual abuse.
She also detailed observing Hegseth’s “erratic and aggressive behavior over many years” and recounted being told by his ex-wife of a frightening incident where she hid in a closet, fearing for her safety.
Additionally, Danielle claimed Hegseth once asserted that women should not work or vote and suggested that Christians should have more children to “overtake the Muslim population.”
During his Senate hearing, Hegseth remained firm in his criticism of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, labeling them divisive and detrimental to the military.
He maintained, “They are dividing troops inside formations, causing commanders to walk on eggshells, not putting meritocracy first.”
However, he attempted to temper previous comments opposing women in combat roles, stating, “Women will have access to ground combat roles… given the standards remain high.”
More Contentious Nominees Ahead
Hegseth’s razor-thin confirmation sets the stage for what is expected to be contentious hearings for three more of Trump’s nominees in the coming week: Kash Patel for FBI Director, Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services.
