Pete Hegseth Sworn in as Defense Secretary After Close Confirmation Vote
In a dramatic turn of events, Pete Hegseth was officially sworn in as the nation’s 29th secretary of defense on Saturday, marking a pivotal moment as he joined President Trump’s Cabinet. The high-stakes late-night Senate confirmation vote ended in a nail-biting 50-50 tie, which was eventually settled by Vice President JD Vance to secure Mr. Hegseth’s confirmation.
The solemn swearing-in ceremony took place in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, with Mr. Hegseth’s wife, Jennifer Rauchet, by his side and a group of Republican senators as witnesses. The newly appointed secretary wasted no time in outlining his guiding principles, emphasizing the need to “Restore the warrior ethos in everything that we do, rebuild our military, and reestablish deterrence.” His commitment to avoiding wars while being prepared to fight with overwhelming force resonated with many.
Amidst expressions of gratitude and a touch of humor, Mr. Hegseth thanked Vice President Vance for his decisive vote, joking that his children were thrilled their father “won in overtime.” In a heartfelt address, he conveyed his deep sense of honor and responsibility to serve under President Trump, highlighting the shared commitment to peace through strength, putting America first, and rebuilding the military.
Challenges Ahead for the New Defense Secretary
Despite the celebratory mood of the swearing-in ceremony, Mr. Hegseth faces significant challenges ahead as he takes the helm of the Department of Defense. Unlike his predecessors, he brings limited experience to the role, acknowledging the need to surround himself with a capable team to navigate the complexities of the position. In a candid moment during his confirmation hearing, he underscored his reliance on assembling a knowledgeable and skilled group to support his leadership.
In a departure from the bipartisan tradition associated with previous confirmations, Mr. Hegseth’s appointment drew sharp criticism from Senate Democrats and some Republicans. The absence of broad-based support from across the political spectrum raised concerns about his qualifications and suitability for the critical role of defense secretary. This lack of consensus underscored the polarizing nature of Mr. Hegseth’s nomination and reflected the deep divisions within the Senate.
Controversies and Shifting Positions
The road to confirmation was fraught with controversies surrounding Mr. Hegseth’s past conduct and policy positions. Allegations of heavy alcohol use and aggressive behavior toward women had raised red flags among lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. The contentious issue of women in combat further complicated matters, with Mr. Hegseth facing scrutiny over his evolving stance on the matter.
In the face of mounting questions, Mr. Hegseth sought to allay concerns during his confirmation hearings by pledging to maintain high military standards and support women in the armed services. His reassurances regarding upholding rigorous criteria for combat roles appeared to assuage some doubts, although lingering skepticism remained among his detractors.
At the swearing-in ceremony, an inquiry about women’s trust in Mr. Hegseth was met with a resounding endorsement from Vice President Vance. He emphasized the new defense secretary’s unwavering commitment to the armed services, vouching for his dedication to ensuring a strong, efficient military that commands respect and fulfills its missions with excellence. Mr. Vance’s vote of confidence signaled a united front in support of Mr. Hegseth’s leadership at the Department of Defense.
The story was reported by The Associated Press. Beaumont contributed to the report from Des Moines, Iowa.