Trump’s Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth confirmed by US Senate
J.D. Vance cast the tiebreaking vote to confirm the ex-Fox News host, who has vowed to bring a ‘warrior culture’ to the Defence Department
The US Senate narrowly confirmed former Fox News co-host Pete Hegseth as Pentagon chief on Friday, despite allegations of alcohol abuse, sexual misconduct and other fears about his ability to lead the world’s most powerful military.
Three Republican senators voted against Donald Trump’s pick as secretary of defence, resulting in a 50-50 tie that required J.D. Vance to cast the deciding ballot – only the second time in history a vice-president has had to intervene to save a cabinet nominee.
The razor-edged result underscored concerns about Hegseth, who will take over the Pentagon with war raging in Ukraine, the Middle East volatile despite ceasefires in Lebanon and Gaza, and as Trump expands the military’s role in security on the US-Mexico border.
The 44-year-old is a former Army National Guard officer who until recently worked as a co-host for Fox News – one of Trump’s favoured television channels.
Hegseth has a combative media personality, fierce loyalty and telegenic looks – common hallmarks in Trump’s entourage.
Supporters say Hegseth’s deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq give him the insight to run the Defence Department better than more experienced officials who would normally be considered for the job.
