Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Pete Hegseth Confirmed as Defense Secretary in Narrow Vote

1/27/2025

50 8

Left

Hegseth Secures Defense

In a dramatic Senate showdown, Pete Hegseth clinched the Secretary of Defense position with a razor-thin 51-50 vote, thanks to Vice President JD Vance's decisive tie-breaking intervention. Despite facing fierce criticism over misconduct allegations and his close association with Trump, the majority of Republicans rallied behind him, though three GOP senators stood in opposition.

Center

Slotkin Challenges Hegseth

Michigan Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin fiercely opposed Pete Hegseth's confirmation as secretary of defense, raising alarms about his allegiance to the Constitution over President Trump. She underscored the military's vital constitutional role and scrutinized Hegseth's past. Additionally, Slotkin voiced skepticism about Tulsi Gabbard's suitability for director of national intelligence, challenging her competence and past decisions.

1 of 2

Hegseth Secures Defense

In a dramatic Senate showdown, Pete Hegseth clinched the Secretary of Defense position with a razor-thin 51-50 vote, thanks to Vice President JD Vance's decisive tie-breaking intervention. Despite facing fierce criticism over misconduct allegations and his close association with Trump, the majority of Republicans rallied behind him, though three GOP senators stood in opposition.

1 / 2