Trump, Republicans celebrate Pete Hegseths defense secretary confirmation

Newly-confirmed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth received strong praise from President Trump and other Republicans following a nail-biting Senate vote Friday night that will see him take command of the Pentagon.“Congratulations to Pete Hegseth,” Trump wrote on Truth Social after the Senate voted 51-50 to make the Army veteran and former Fox News host the leader of the nation’s armed forces.“He will make a great Secretary of Defense!”Three Republican senators – Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky – joined all 47 Democrats to oppose Trump’s nominee, forcing Vice President JD Vance to cast the tie-breaking vote. “I thought I was done voting in the senate,” Vance quipped on X with a tears of joy emoji. Hegseth, a retired Army major and fierce critic of “woke” military initiatives, was among the most controversial of Trump’s cabinet appointments due to allegations of personal misconduct – including sexual assault, financial mismanagement and binge-drinking on the job.The 44-year-old also drew ire from Democratic officials regarding past statements he’s made about women serving in the military, publicly declaring after the November election that women shouldn’t serve in combat roles. Despite the criticism, the majority of Republicans stood behind him.Sen.Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) said he was “very pleased” to see Hegseth confirmed and looks forward to working with him to “make America strong and secure once again.”“Pete has served in the Army National Guard as a front line officer, and he has a keen intellect and a passion for the warfighter,” Graham posted on social media.

“He did an excellent job during a very contentious hearing and withstood all the attacks that came his way.He is bullish on creating a larger, more lethal military and is clear-eyed about America’s enemies, including Iran.

Israel will have no better friend than Pete Hegesth.”Sen.Katie Britt (R-Ala...