Pete Hegseth was sworn in on Saturday as the 29th Secretary of Defense of the United States, following a dramatic late-night Senate vote that resulted in a 50-50 tie. Vice President JD Vance cast the tiebreaking vote, which enabled Hegseth's confirmation amidst a level of scrutiny that modern nominees for such a pivotal position seldom face. The swearing-in took place in the Indian Treaty Room of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, with Hegseth's wife, Jennifer Rauchet, at his side, and several Republican senators in attendance.
During his initial remarks as Secretary of Defense, Hegseth emphasized his guiding principles, which include restoring the warrior ethos, rebuilding the military, and reestablishing deterrence. He articulated a desire for peace through strength, stating, "We don’t want to fight wars; we want to deter them." He expressed a commitment to bringing overwhelming force if necessary, underscoring a sense of urgency in restoring military effectiveness and soldier welfare.
The narrow margin for Hegseth's confirmation reflected considerable reservations from both sides of the aisle regarding his qualifications and past controversies, particularly concerning allegations of excessive alcohol use and aggressive behavior toward women. The confirmation process illuminated the stark divisions in the Senate, with every Senate Democrat voting against Hegseth’s confirmation, as well as three Republican senators—Mitch McConnell, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski—who expressed concerns over his fitness for this critical role. In response to the tight vote, Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer remarked that Republicans had entrusted the military's leadership to someone he deemed inexperienced and lacking in character judgment.
Hegseth acknowledged his comparatively limited experience for the role, recognizing the necessity of surrounding himself with a capable and knowledgeable team as he embarks on his tenure. He stated in his testimony that he aimed to appoint individuals more skilled than himself in their respective fields to ensure effective leadership within the Department of Defense.
Moreover, Hegseth's confirmation was not without controversy. He had earlier refused to meet with any Democrats before his Senate vote, a move seen as a deviation from customary protocols for Cabinet nominees. This refusal, along with accusations of sexual assault he faced at a Republican convention—claims he has refuted—added to the scrutiny surrounding his nomination. He had reportedly settled with the accuser by paying her $50,000, a decision that raised further questions about his judgment and behavior.
In terms of military policies, Hegseth's previous comments against women in combat had sparked significant debate. However, during his confirmation hearings, he appeared to soften his stance on the issue, clarifying that his utmost concern was maintaining military standards without lowering them for any gender. This shift could potentially affect the trust women in the military might have in his leadership.
At the swearing-in ceremony, a question regarding women's trust in Hegseth was addressed by Vice President Vance, who endorsed Hegseth's character and commitment to serving all members of the armed services. As Hegseth begins his role, the expectation remains high for him to navigate a complex array of global challenges while addressing the divisions that characterized his confirmation process.
