The US Vice President JD Vance broke the news of Fox News presenter Pete Hegseth as the Nation’s Next Secretary of Defense. Hegseth’s two-month battle to obtain the confirmation is now over. Due to a long list of allegations, including financial mismanagement, excessive drinking, and sexual misbehavior, US President Donald Trump’s nominee was being challenged in the Senate.
Republican Senators Susan Collins (Maine), Mitch McConnell (Kentucky), and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) voted against the nomination, leaving the Senate in a state of uncertainty. Vance was compelled to intervene in order to end the 50/50 tie. Although it was already anticipated that Collins and Murkowski would vote against Hegseth, McConnell’s “no” came as a surprise.
The US Vice President had to intervene to break a tie on a presidential nominee for the second time in American history, which is significant. In order to approve Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education in 2017, Trump’s former running mate and former vice president Mike Pence broke a deadlock.
Hegseth was awarded two Bronze Stars after serving in the Army National Guard as an infantry officer. He also served in the U.S. military for a short time, he joined Fox News as a host. Hegseth became the second-youngest Secretary of Defense in history after the confirmation on Friday.
As the head of the Pentagon, the former television presenter is anticipated to vigorously advance Trump’s agenda. The termination of DEI programs and the establishment of an office by former President Biden to safeguard people in conflict areas are also part of this. After Hegseth expressed his disapproval of women serving in combat situations, doubts were expressed about his competence.
Though they both voted to advance him on Thursday, Hegseth’s confirmation came amid rumors that Sens. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and McConnell may sabotage his nomination at the last minute.
