Vice President Vance Breaks Tie to Confirm Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary
In a dramatic and historic vote, the Senate confirmed President Donald Trump’s controversial nominee, Pete Hegseth, as Secretary of Defense late Friday night. The 51-50 vote required Vice President JD Vance to step in and cast the deciding tie-breaking vote, cementing a significant political victory for the Trump administration amid fierce opposition. Hegseth’s confirmation came after Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, and former GOP Leader Mitch McConnell broke ranks to vote against him, citing concerns about his qualifications and a series of allegations against him, including sexual assault, alcohol abuse, and financial mismanagement of veterans’ charities. These allegations, which Hegseth has denied, dominated the confirmation process. Notably, Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who was rumored to be leaning against Hegseth, ultimately voted in his favor. In a statement, Tillis emphasized his decision was based on a thorough review of He...