The confirmation of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense has been marked by significant controversy and a razor-thin margin in the Senate. With accusations of past misconduct swirling around the nominee, the Senate vote became a closely watched event, culminating in a tie-breaking decision by Vice President JD Vance. Among the senators whose votes were of particular interest was John Fetterman, the Democratic Senator from Pennsylvania. Given the partisan nature of many political confirmations, understanding how each senator voted provides crucial insight into the dynamics of the Senate and the contentious nature of this particular nomination.
The Contentious Confirmation of Pete Hegseth
Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host and a veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, was nominated for Secretary of Defense amidst a backdrop of controversy. Allegations of excessive drinking and sexual assault, which Hegseth has vehemently denied, cast a shadow over his confirmation process. These accusations led to intense scrutiny during his Senate Armed Services Committee testimony and fueled debate both within and outside of political circles. Despite the controversy, Hegseth maintained the support of the majority of the Republican party, largely due to his staunch support for President Trump during his first term.
The Senate vote on Hegseth’s confirmation took place on Friday and resulted in a 51-50 split, requiring Vice President Vance to cast the tie-breaking vote in favor of confirmation. This narrow margin makes Hegseth’s confirmation the slimmest for any defense secretary in recent history, highlighting the deep divisions surrounding his nomination.
John Fetterman’s Vote: A Clear “No”
For those specifically asking, “Did John Fetterman Vote Yes For Pete Hegseth?” the answer is definitively no. Senator Fetterman, a Democrat, voted against the confirmation of Pete Hegseth. This vote aligns with the broader Democratic opposition to Hegseth’s nomination. In fact, not a single Democrat in the Senate voted in favor of Hegseth.
The final vote tally reveals a stark partisan divide. All 45 Democrats and both Independents present voted against Hegseth. They were joined by three Republicans: Susan Collins of Maine, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. This bipartisan opposition, though ultimately unsuccessful in blocking the confirmation, underscores the concerns surrounding Hegseth’s suitability for the role of Secretary of Defense.
Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania voting no on Pete Hegseth confirmation
Historical Context of Defense Secretary Confirmations
The contentious nature of Hegseth’s confirmation is further emphasized when compared to the historical norms for defense secretary votes. Historically, nominees for this crucial cabinet position have often received overwhelming bipartisan support. Many confirmations have even been by voice vote, indicating unanimous consent.
For instance, figures like Donald Rumsfeld under President Ford and Caspar Weinberger under President Reagan received resounding support in the Senate. Even more recently, James Mattis, nominated by President Trump in 2017, was confirmed with 98 votes. The table below illustrates the historical trend, showcasing how Hegseth’s 51 “Yes” votes stand out as an anomaly, indicative of the deep divisions surrounding his nomination.
| Pres. | Year | Nominee | Yes votes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford | 1975 | Donald Rumsfeld | 95 |
| Carter | 1977 | Harold Brown | Voice vote |
| Reagan | 1981 | Caspar Weinberger | 97 |
| Reagan | 1987 | Frank Carlucci | 91 |
| H.W. Bush | 1989 | John Tower | 47 |
| H.W. Bush | 1989 | Richard Cheney | 92 |
| Clinton | 1993 | Les Aspin | Voice vote |
| Clinton | 1994 | William Perry | 97 |
| Clinton | 1997 | William Cohen | 99 |
| W. Bush | 2001 | Donald Rumsfeld | Voice vote |
| W. Bush | 2006 | Robert Gates | 95 |
| Obama | 2011 | Leon Panetta | 100 |
| Obama | 2013 | Chuck Hagel | 58 |
| Obama | 2015 | Ashton Carter | 93 |
| Trump | 2017 | James Mattis | 98 |
| Trump | 2019 | Mark Esper | 90 |
| Biden | 2021 | Lloyd Austin | 93 |
| Trump | 2025 | Pete Hegseth* | 51 |
Conclusion: A Divided Senate and a Controversial Confirmation
The confirmation of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense was far from a smooth process. It highlighted deep partisan divisions within the Senate and underscored the significant controversy surrounding the nominee. John Fetterman’s “No” vote was consistent with the unified Democratic opposition to Hegseth, and the overall vote tally reveals a Senate deeply split on this crucial appointment. This close vote and the need for a tie-breaker signal a potentially challenging tenure for Hegseth as he steps into his role as Secretary of Defense.
