Pete Hegseth confirmed to lead Pentagon after VP Vance casts tie-breaking vote
Politics,US Congress,Defense And Security,Pete Hegseth,Donald Trump,JD Vance,Department Of Defense,Cabinet,Congress
The Senate voted to confirm President Donald Trump's nominee, Pete Hegseth, as defense secretary on Friday night after a high-tempered battle to sway lawmakers in his favor that was almost derailed by accusations about his behavior.
The final vote came down to the wire: three Republicans opposed, making for a 50 to 50 vote. Vice President JD Vance was needed to break the tie in the upper chamber.
The Senate’s two moderate Republican women: Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Susan Collins, R-Maine, voted no. As did Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., the former GOP...
Related Coverage
AllSides Picks
Headline Roundup
House Votes to Condemn Socialism and Democratic Socialists of America
September 4th, 2026
Headline Roundup
JD Vance Speaks to Jewish Republicans Amid Tensions Over Antisemitism and Israel
September 1st, 2026
Recommended Reading
When Trump Calls for a Referendum—On Himself
Dan Schnur
September 7th, 2026
The Insight
The Insight: Is Violent Crime Down in the US?
AllSides Staff
September 4th, 2026