Pete Hegseth Survives Liberal Smear Campaign to Become Defense Secretary in Nail Biter [WATCH]

Pete Hegseth, an Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran and former Fox News host, was confirmed as Secretary of Defense on Friday night in a contentious 51-50 Senate vote.

America, your new Secretary of Defense. pic.twitter.com/KN2M5KQIZI

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 25, 2025

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Vice President JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote, making him only the second vice president in U.S. history to do so for a cabinet nominee.

The vote came after a heated confirmation process that saw opposition from both Democrats and three Republicans.

Hegseth, 44, thanked President Donald Trump, Vice President Vance, and the 50 senators who supported his nomination.

“This is for the troops. For the warriors. For our country,” Hegseth wrote on X. “America First. Every day. We will never back down.”

Thank you for your confidence Mr. President.

Thank you for the tie-breaker Mr. Vice President.

Thank you Senators for 50 votes.

This is for the troops. For the warriors. For our country.

America First. Every day. We will never back down.

— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) January 25, 2025

BREAKING: Vice President JD Vance casts the decisive vote, confirming Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, 51-50
pic.twitter.com/RGmKfQHVb7

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 25, 2025

The confirmation faced significant challenges, with Republican Senators Susan Collins (Maine), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), and Mitch McConnell (Kentucky) joining all 47 Democrats in opposing Hegseth’s nomination.

McConnell voted for 3 of the 4. pic.twitter.com/YidwxlEvl2

— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) January 25, 2025

Allegations of personal misconduct, including sexual assault, infidelity, and excessive drinking, were at the center of the controversy.

Collins cited her concerns about Hegseth’s judgment and the message his confirmation might send.

“While I appreciate his courageous military service and his ongoing commitment to our servicemembers and their families, I am concerned that he does not have the experience and perspective necessary to succeed in the job,” she said.

After careful consideration, I have decided to vote against Pete Hegseth’s nomination for Secretary of Defense. While I appreciate his courageous military service and his ongoing commitment to our servicemembers and their families, I am concerned that he does not have the…

— Sen. Susan Collins (@SenatorCollins) January 23, 2025

Senator Murkowski expressed similar reservations, pointing to allegations of past behaviors, including financial mismanagement and inappropriate conduct during his tenure as the leader of Concerned Veterans for America.

President Trump remained steadfast in his support for Hegseth throughout the process. Speaking outside the White House before the vote, Trump said, “Pete’s a very, very good man. I hope he makes it.”

He described Hegseth as someone who could bring a much-needed shake-up to the Pentagon.

“I was very surprised that Collins and Murkowski would do that. And of course, Mitch is always a ‘no’ vote,” Trump added.

BREAKING: Departing the White House for Ashville, North Carolina, President Trump tells reporters, “Pete (Hegseth)’s a very, very good man. I hope he makes it. I was very surprised that Collins and Murkowski would do that. And of course, Mitch is always a no vote.” pic.twitter.com/9q9qXGnyjm

— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) January 24, 2025

During his confirmation hearing, Hegseth aligned himself with Trump’s defense priorities, pledging to focus on “lethality and warfighting” while ensuring the military is prepared to deter and prevent wars.

He promised to reinstate 8,000 service members who were dismissed for refusing COVID-19 vaccinations, including issuing back pay and restoring lost ranks.

Hegseth faced scrutiny over accusations of sexual misconduct, including a 2017 incident during a California Federation of Republican Women conference.

The allegations were settled for $50,000, with Hegseth denying wrongdoing and calling the claims false.

During his hearing, Hegseth testified that the accusations had been fully investigated and dismissed.

Additional concerns were raised about past comments opposing women in combat roles and allegations of excessive drinking.

Hegseth addressed these issues during his hearing, reversing his position on women in combat and pledging to abstain from alcohol during his tenure as Secretary of Defense.

Despite the controversy, Hegseth’s military record earned him support from fellow veterans and allies.

Army Sgt. Maj. Eric Geressy praised Hegseth’s leadership and commitment to the military.

“He breathes the military. That’s all he talks about. Pete’s extremely smart, very articulate, and a critical thinker,” Geressy said.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) defended Hegseth during the confirmation process, describing him as the right leader for a pivotal moment in U.S. defense strategy.

Wicker emphasized the need for strong leadership amid growing threats from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

Hegseth takes the helm at the Department of Defense at what Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) described as “the most dangerous security environment since World War II.”

Thune expressed confidence that Hegseth would restore strength to the military and address deficiencies in readiness.

“As our first president said more than 200 years ago, ‘To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.’ And in a world that has grown increasingly unstable, our priority has to be ensuring that the United States military is prepared to meet and defeat any threat,” Thune stated.

With his controversial confirmation now behind him, Hegseth is set to lead the Department of Defense in implementing the administration’s vision for a stronger, more focused military.

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