Defense Secretary Role Assumes Pete Hegseth after Decisive Vote from JD Vance, Offering key Insights

Topline

Pete Hegseth assumes the position of Defense Secretary following JD Vance's decisive vote, offering crucial insights.

Newly confirmed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced a contentious confirmation process due to alleged sexual misconduct, excessive drinking, and controversial views – such as opposing women in combat roles and questioning diversity initiatives in the military. Despite these controversies, Vice President JD Vance broke a Senate tie to confirm Hegseth, with only two Republican dissents.

Timeline

Jan. 25, 10:33 a.m. ESTHegseth was sworn in as Defense Secretary, ending the lengthy confirmation process.

Jan. 24Vice President JD Vance's tie-breaking vote confirmed Hegseth as Defense Secretary, as Republican Sens. Mitch McConnell, Lisa Murkowski, and Susan Collins sided with Democrats over concerns about Hegseth's past.

Jan. 24, 4:45 p.m. ESTReuters reported that Hegseth rejected the idea of military service academies having different standards for individuals with different skin colors, contradicting a 2023 Supreme Court ruling.

Jan. 23, 7:56 p.m. ESTSen. Elizabeth Warren accused Hegseth of paying $50,000 to silence a rape accuser, while he repeatedly denied being falsely accused. Hegseth's response was given in response to Warren's written questions, a NYT spokesperson confirmed.

Jan. 23, 3 p.m. ESTHegseth clears test vote in the Senate with 53 votes, requiring only 51 for confirmation, indicating he has enough votes to pass.

Jan. 23, 2 p.m. ESTSen. Lisa Murkowski declared she couldn't support Hegseth's nomination due to significant concerns, including a lack of experience, unbecoming behavior, and controversial views on women in the military.

Jan. 21, 2 p.m.Hegseth's ex-wife's sister claimed he demonstrated erratic and aggressive behavior towards his second wife, leading her to fear for her safety. Her claim was backed by an affidavit she sent to Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I.

Jan. 20, 5:45 p.m.The Senate Armed Services Committee voted 14-13 to approve Hegseth for confirmation, sending his nomination to the full Senate for a vote.

Jan. 14, 5:45 p.m.Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, announced she would support Hegseth, saying he was "adequately able to answer all of my questions" during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing.

Jan. 14Hegseth's confirmation hearing concluded after roughly four hours of intense questioning, with no Republican senators indicating they would vote against him.

Jan. 14, 3:05 p.m.Hegseth promised to appoint a senior-level military official focused on sexual assault prevention and response, while also affirming that women would have access to ground combat roles if they meet standards.

Jan. 14, 1:30 p.m.Armed Services Committee Chair, Sen. Roger Wicker, acknowledged the controversies surrounding Hegseth before the hearing, stating "the vast majority" of allegations against Hegseth came from anonymous sources.

Jan. 14, 10:50 a.m.During questioning, Hegseth addressed prior allegations of participating in a strip club and allegedly uttering "Kill All Muslims" while drunk, explaining he was present but did not partake in either incident.

Jan. 14, 10:15 a.m.Hegseth openly admitted to past mistakes, including alcohol abuse and contentious views, but stated that he had grown and transformed in the past years.

Who Is Pete Hegseth – and Why Is He Controversial?

An Army National Guard infantry officer, Harvard grad, former Fox News host, and political commentator, Pete Hegseth has had a varied career. He faced intense criticism due to allegations of sexual assault, excessive drinking, and a slew of controversial beliefs, including opposing women serving in combat roles.

What are the Sexual Assault Allegations Against Hegseth?

Accusations of sexual assault by a woman at a 2017 Republican conference were investigated by the Monterey, Calif. police department, with Hegseth strongly denying the allegation. However, a police report was released in November 2023, stating the woman claimed Hegseth "took her phone from her hands," and "blocked the door with his body" when she tried to leave. No charges were filed, as there was no proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

Reports surfaced that Hegseth was forced to step down as President of Concerned Veterans for America in 2016 due to numerous allegations of excessive drinking during business trips. Hegseth denied being forced out, citing a letter from a trustee that stated he "voluntarily resigned" to focus on other ventures.

What Is Hegseth’s Response to the Allegations?

Hegseth claimed he had consensual sex with the woman who accused him, asserting that she was the aggressor in initiating sexual activity. However, Hegseth's lawyer, Timothy Parlatore, stated that witnesses reported Hegseth was "visibly intoxicated" at the time, and she was the initiator of sexual activities. Hegseth additionally contested that he paid an undisclosed amount to settle out of court following the accusation.

What Has Hegseth Said About Women in the Military?

Hegseth has repeatedly expressed opposition to women serving in combat roles, with allegations that he made inappropriate comments regarding women in the military. However, during his confirmation hearing, Hegseth clarified that he respected women in the military as "some of our greatest warriors," and that his views did not reflect a disrespect for women service members.

What Has Trump Said About Hegseth?

Trump publicly supported Hegseth's nomination, calling him "one of the finest men I know" and voicing his confidence in Hegseth's ability to serve as Defense Secretary.

What Have Democrats Said About Pete Hegseth?

Democratic senators expressed concerns over Hegseth's background and suitability for the role, pressing him on various issues during his confirmation hearing. Some highlighted the need for the Senate to be provided with a full review of Hegseth's conduct and background before moving forward with his nomination.

Overall:

Pete Hegseth's confirmation as Defense Secretary was met with significant controversy, as allegations of sexual assault, excessive drinking, and controversial beliefs lingered over his nomination. Despite these concerns, Hegseth was ultimately confirmed following a heated Senate confirmation process.

Allegations of Sexual Misconduct:

Accusation and Settlement:
In 2017, a woman alleged that Hegseth sexually assaulted her at a Republican women's conference in Monterey, Calif.
In a police report, the woman claimed Hegseth "took her phone from her hands," and "blocked the door with his body" when she tried to leave, but no charges were filed due to the lack of sufficient proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
Confirmation Hearing:
During the confirmation hearing, Hegseth denied the allegations, stating he was "falsely accused" and "completely cleared" despite the presence of a police report and testimony from the woman.
Demonstrative of the controversy surrounding the allegations, Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., grilled Hegseth during the hearing, pressing him on inconsistencies in his responses and questioning his integrity.

Allegations of Excessive Drinking:

Incidents and Concerns:
Reports have emerged of Hegseth engaging in excessive drinking, which allegedly led to poor judgment and inappropriate behavior in both personal and professional settings.
During his confirmation hearing, Democratic Senator Mark Kelly questioned Hegseth about his drinking habits, inquiring whether he would be able to maintain discipline and good order in the military.
Impact on Leadership:
The allegations of excessive drinking have raised concerns about Hegseth's ability to lead the Department of Defense, an institution that requires sound judgment and discipline.

Other Controversies:

Domestic Violence Allegations:
Hegseth's ex-wife accused him of domestic violence in 2020, allegations that resurfaced during his confirmation hearings.
Professional Conduct and Ideology:
During the FBI background investigation, concerns were raised about Hegseth's professional conduct, including derogatory comments about women and minorities in service.
Hegseth's views on women in the military have also been criticized, causing controversy during his confirmation process.

Confirmation Process:

Senate Vote:
Despite the controversies surrounding Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance broke a Senate tie to confirm Hegseth as Defense Secretary, with only two Republican dissents.
Republican Dissent:
Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine voted against advancing Hegseth's nomination due to concerns over his lack of experience and the assault allegations.

The confirmation of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense has faced widespread criticism, highlighting concerns about accountability, integrity, and the handling of serious allegations within the government.

The newly appointed Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, faced a contentious confirmation process due to sexual misconduct allegations, excessive drinking concerns, and controversial views, including opposition to women in combat roles and questioning diversity initiatives in the military. His appointment, however, was confirmed with a tie-breaking vote from Vice President JD Vance in the Senate, despite two Republican senators voicing their dissent.

During his Senate confirmation hearings, Hegseth faced intense questioning regarding allegations of sexual misconduct, excessive drinking, and controversial beliefs. Despite repeated denials, a police report was released detailing an incident where a woman claimed Hegseth blocked her from leaving a conference in 2017.

([Department of Defense], [Pentagon], [Senate confirmation hearings], [Donald Trump], [Pete Hegseth])