In a tense night session, the US Senate votes on the nomination of Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense, who has vowed to bring a “culture of heroes” to the Pentagon despite questions about his qualifications and allegations of excessive drinking and violent behavior. women.
It’s rare for a Cabinet nominee to face widespread concerns about his experience and conduct like Hegseth, especially in a high-profile role leading the US military.
But the Republican-led Senate was determined to confirm Hegseth, a former Fox News host and combat veteran, to join the ranks of US President Donald Trump’s top security cabinet.
US Vice President JD Vance was expected in the Senate, in case he had to break the tie, while Hegseth was in the Capitol with his family to watch the vote.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune opened Friday’s session by saying Hegseth, as a National Guard veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, would “bring a warrior’s perspective” to the job.
“The days of the wake-up call will be over,” Thune said, referring to diversity, equity and inclusion programs being cut in the US federal government. “The Pentagon will focus on fighting the war.”
The ability of the Senate to confirm Hegseth despite the difficult series of accusations against him will provide a measure of Trump’s political power and the ability to get what he wants from the Republican-led Congress, as well as the power of the cultural wars to promote his agenda in the White House.