Pete Hegseth was officially sworn in as the 29th Secretary of Defense on Saturday, after an intense late-night vote in the Senate that culminated in a 50-50 tie, which was broken by Vice President JD Vance. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, with Hegseth's wife, Jennifer Rauchet, present alongside Republican senators. The swift confirmation process highlighted the divided nature of the current Senate, as Hegseth's qualifications were called into question by both parties.
During his brief remarks post-ceremony, Hegseth articulated his guiding principles, stating that he aims to “restore the warrior ethos in everything that we do, rebuild our military, and reestablish deterrence.” He emphasized a desire to deter wars rather than fight them, while also committing to respond with decisive force when necessary. Hegseth acknowledged Vance's crucial role in the tie-breaking vote and humorously noted that his children were pleased he “won in overtime.”
Despite his swearing-in, Hegseth faced significant concerns regarding his qualifications and past behavior, particularly amid allegations of excessive alcohol use and aggressive conduct toward women. His challenge is compounded by the lack of extensive experience in defense matters compared to his predecessors. Hegseth recognized the need to assemble a capable team during his confirmation hearings, expressing a desire to surround himself with individuals more experienced than he is.
The confirmation process was notably contentious, with every Senate Democrat opposing Hegseth, alongside three Republicans—Mitch McConnell, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski—who questioned his suitability for the role. High-ranking Democratic officials, including Senate minority leader Charles Schumer, criticized the decision to place someone with Hegseth's background at the helm of the Pentagon. Schumer lamented, “I hope for the sake of our troops and the good of our country that he can eventually grow into the job.”
Compounding the scrutiny were serious allegations against Hegseth, including an accusation of sexual assault during a Republican conference in California, which he has denied, claiming the encounter was consensual. Hegseth had previously settled with the woman involved for $50,000. Furthermore, he promised during confirmation hearings to abstain from alcohol while serving as Secretary of Defense.
Hegseth’s controversial stance in the past regarding women in combat also emerged as a topic of discussion during his nomination. Although he has expressed support for women serving in the military, his comments suggested a need for stringent standards that should not be compromised. At his swearing-in, a question concerning why women should trust him was directed to Vice President Vance, who backed Hegseth, asserting his commitment to fighting for all military personnel.
As Hegseth begins his tenure amid a volatile global landscape, it remains clear that his leadership will be closely scrutinized, both for his capability to manage the Department of Defense and for navigating the complex political dynamics presented by his confirmation's narrow margin. The efforts of the Republican-led Senate to secure Hegseth’s position reflect the broader priorities of the Trump administration in shaping its national security team, despite substantial opposition and concern.
