One of Donald Trump's most controversial cabinet picks has been narrowly confirmed by the U.S. Senate to lead the Pentagon despite accusations of sexual assault and alcohol abuse.
The Senate voted 51-50 late Friday night in favor of Pete Hegseth to become U.S. Secretary of Defense, with Vice President J.D. Vance breaking the tie. ) was barely elected.
Republican senators Mitch McConnell, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins joined Democratic senators in voting against Hegseth's confirmation.
Democrats went to great lengths to block his confirmation after his former sister-in-law, Danielle Hegseth, issued a sworn statement accusing him of being so abusive to his ex-wife that she hid in the closet for fear of being bullied. Hegseth survived. her safety. She also claimed he had been drinking heavily for years.
McConnell said he voted against Hegseth because the nominee lacked a "strategic vision" for how to address America's biggest national security challenges.
McConnell said Hegseth "did not provide substantive input on how to defend Taiwan or the Philippines" or "elaborate on a strategic vision for dealing with China." The incoming defense secretary has also failed to prove he can effectively run the Pentagon.
On Thursday, Murkowski said she could not "in good conscience" vote for him, while Collins said she "doesn't believe his position on women in combat roles has changed."
Before the vote, Trump told reporters on Friday that he was "very surprised that Collins and Murkowski would do this," adding that "Pete is a very, very good guy."
He also expected McConnell to insist on his opposition: "Of course, I guess Mitch always votes 'no'."
Trump's selection of Hegseth, a former Fox News host who served in the Army National Guard, for the job shocked Washington and the defense establishment. He has since been dogged by accusations of sexual assault, alcoholism, misogyny, sexism and racism.
In written responses to questions, Hegers said he paid $50,000 to a woman who accused him of sexual assault in a California hotel room in 2017, according to Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
Hegers dismissed the accusations of sexual assault, his character and preparation for the Pentagon's top job at his Senate confirmation hearing last week, calling them a "smear campaign." He also sought to revise an earlier statement about female soldiers, saying they "will have the opportunity to serve in ground combat roles because standards remain high."
Hegseth is known for his broadcasts denouncing the military's "wokeness" and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Hegseth told the hearing that DEI's military policy is "dividing the military" and forcing "commanders to walk on thin ice."
Senate confirmations are likely to get more heated when two other controversial Cabinet nominees, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard, are grilled by senators on Jan. 29 and Jan. 30, respectively. Kennedy and Gabbard, both former Democrats, were appointed health secretary and director of national intelligence, respectively.