WASHINGTON — In a closely watched vote that underscored deep partisan divisions, the Republican-controlled Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as the new Secretary of Defense late Friday. The confirmation hinged on a tie-breaking vote cast by Vice President JD Vance, handing a significant victory to President Donald Trump after weeks of uncertainty surrounding the controversial nomination.
The initial Senate vote resulted in a 50-50 deadlock. Notably, three Republicans – Senators Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Susan Collins of Maine – broke ranks to join all 47 Democrats in opposing Hegseth’s confirmation. This bipartisan opposition highlighted the concerns surrounding Hegseth’s suitability for the top Pentagon post.
Vice President Vance’s intervention proved decisive, casting the 51st vote needed to secure Hegseth’s confirmation. This ended weeks of speculation and debate over President Trump’s contentious choice to lead the Department of Defense.
Pete Hegseth and family at US Capitol for Defense Secretary vote
Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth with his family at the U.S. Capitol during the Senate vote on his confirmation.
This event marked only the second instance in history where a Vice President was required to break a tie for a Cabinet-level nomination. The previous occasion was in 2017 when Vice President Mike Pence broke a 50-50 tie to confirm Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education during President Trump’s first term.
President Trump promptly celebrated the confirmation on Truth Social, stating, “Congratulations to Pete Hegseth. He will make a great Secretary of Defense!”
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Republican Opposition and Concerns
The dissenting vote from Senator McConnell, a prominent figure in the Republican party, was particularly striking. It signaled a significant rebuke of both Hegseth and President Trump, with whom McConnell has had a strained relationship over the years.
Senator McConnell issued a strongly worded statement outlining his concerns, emphasizing the immense responsibilities of the Secretary of Defense. He pointed to the “effective management of nearly 3 million military and civilian personnel, an annual budget of nearly $1 trillion, and alliances and partnerships around the world” as a “daily test with staggering consequences.” McConnell’s statement implied a lack of confidence in Hegseth’s readiness for such a demanding role.
“Mr. Hegseth has failed, as yet, to demonstrate that he will pass this test,” McConnell asserted. He concluded with a somber note, stating, “But as he assumes office, the consequences of failure are as high as they have ever been.”
Despite McConnell’s opposition, it ultimately did not derail Hegseth’s confirmation.
Key Republican Support Emerges
Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who had previously expressed reservations and sought further clarification from Hegseth, announced his support shortly before the vote. Senator Tillis stated on X (formerly Twitter) that after conducting his “own due diligence, including asking tough questions of Pete,” he would vote in favor.
Tillis elaborated, “Pete has a unique perspective as a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and is unquestionably passionate about modernizing our military and supporting the brave patriots like himself who serve our nation.” He revealed to reporters that a nearly two-hour meeting with Hegseth on Friday had addressed his concerns and instilled “comfort” in supporting the nomination.
Hegseth’s Presence and Trump’s Confidence
In an unusual move, Hegseth was present at the Capitol for the vote, accompanied by his wife, parents, and children. He was observed showing his family around the rotunda, even pointing out the location of President Trump’s inauguration.
Earlier that day, President Trump publicly questioned Senator McConnell’s stance on the nomination. “Of course, Mitch is always a no vote, I guess,” Trump remarked to reporters, adding, “Is Mitch a no vote? How about Mitch?”
The Senate vote followed a narrow procedural victory for Hegseth’s nomination the previous day. A 51-49 vote cleared a key hurdle, with Senators Collins and Murkowski joining Democrats in opposition at that stage as well.
Senator Collins reiterated her opposition to reporters on Friday, stating she had informed Senate Majority Leader John Thune of her decision and stood by her vote, affirming, “I made the right vote.”
Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, had expressed confidence in Hegseth’s confirmation earlier in the week. He also presciently indicated the vote’s closeness, joking that Vice President Vance should “stick around.”
Vice President Vance himself acknowledged the potential tie-breaking role on X, humorously commenting, “I thought I was done voting in the senate.”
Overcoming Obstacles to Confirmation
The confirmation vote marked a remarkable turnaround for Hegseth, whose nomination had faced significant challenges just weeks prior. Numerous news reports had surfaced detailing serious allegations, including alcohol abuse, sexual assault, and financial mismanagement related to organizations he had led. Hegseth has consistently denied all these allegations.
Reports in early December indicated that President Trump had even considered replacing Hegseth with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. However, President Trump publicly voiced his support for Hegseth, urging him to “keep fighting” as he navigated the Senate confirmation process.
During his January 14 confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Democrats pressed Hegseth on these controversies and his past stance against women in combat roles, a position he later retracted at the hearing. The committee ultimately advanced his nomination along party lines with a 14-13 vote.
Even as his nomination progressed, scrutiny persisted. NBC News obtained documents revealing that Hegseth had paid $50,000 to settle a sexual assault accusation from 2017. While Hegseth maintained the encounter was consensual and no charges were filed, his lawyer described the settlement as a response to “blackmail” during the “height of the MeToo movement.”
Further complicating matters, a sworn affidavit from Hegseth’s former sister-in-law, shared with senators, alleged “erratic and aggressive behavior over many years” and claimed his ex-wife feared for her safety during their marriage. While this affidavit was submitted to the Senate Armed Services Committee and reported by NBC News, Hegseth’s ex-wife, Samantha Hegseth, has stated there was no physical abuse during their marriage. Hegseth’s lawyer dismissed these allegations as false and fueled by partisan animosity.
In a letter to Senator Tillis made public just as Friday’s vote commenced, Hegseth addressed the affidavit, attributing it to “partisan and personal animosity” from his former sister-in-law.
Democratic Disapproval and Broader Context
Following the confirmation vote, Democrats expressed strong disapproval. Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut criticized his Republican colleagues as “spineless,” suggesting the vote could “haunt them.”
President Trump and his allies are moving swiftly to assemble his national security team. Earlier in the week, Marco Rubio was confirmed as Secretary of State with unanimous Senate support. John Ratcliffe was also confirmed as CIA director by the Senate on Thursday.
Looking ahead, the Senate is expected to consider the nominations of Kristi Noem for Homeland Security Secretary and Scott Bessent for Treasury Secretary following the Hegseth confirmation.
