The U.S. Senate narrowly approved Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense, former Fox personality Pete Hegseth. The vote, which took place on January 24, 2025, resulted in a 50-50 tie, with three Republicans opposing the nomination. J.D. Vance had to cast his constitutional tie-breaking vote to confirm the appointment.
Hegseth, one of Trump’s many controversial cabinet-level picks, has served in the Air National Guard, including combat deployments. However, he lacks experience leading organizations the size of the Pentagon. He has faced accusations of public drunkenness while in uniform, sexual assault, and physical and emotional abuse of his former spouses. Hegseth has denied all accusations, repeatedly dismissing them as “anonymous smear[s].”
He also has experience leading veteran charities; however, his tenures were marked by what many consider poor management resulting in financial problems. He denies any wrongdoing. During his time hosting “Fox & Friends Weekend,” Hegseth became known as a vocal conservative and strong Trump supporter, making various controversial statements. His current wife, his third, is a Fox News producer. Financial disclosures revealed Hegseth received over $4 million from Fox News over two years. His wife’s earnings were not included, as spouses’ income is under different disclosure rules. He also earned tens of thousands of dollars in honorariums and hundreds of thousands in book advances and royalties.
Republicans largely supported Hegseth, citing his veteran experience and service in the National Guard.