Pete Hegseth Confirmed as Defense Secretary After Tie-Breaking Vote

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former Fox News host Pete Hegseth was confirmed as Secretary of Defense on Friday night after Vice President JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote in the Senate. The confirmation came after a contentious debate over Hegseth’s qualifications and the broader implications for President Donald Trump‘s administration.

The nomination of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security also cleared a key hurdle, advancing to a final vote expected early Sunday morning. Noem, who testified before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) last week, received bipartisan support, with the committee voting 13-2 in favor of her nomination.

If confirmed, Noem will join a growing list of Trump appointees, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and incoming Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Votes for Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent and Transportation Secretary pick Sean Duffy are also expected soon.

During her confirmation hearing, Noem emphasized her experience addressing border security. “I was the first Governor to send National Guard troops to Texas when they were being overwhelmed by an unprecedented border crisis,” she told the committee. “If confirmed as Secretary, I will ensure that our exceptional, extraordinary border patrol agents have all the tools and resources they need to carry out their mission effectively.”

Hegseth’s confirmation marks a significant moment for the Trump administration, which has faced challenges in securing Senate approval for key nominees. The former Fox News host, known for his conservative commentary, has pledged to strengthen national defense and align military strategy with Trump’s vision.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has already begun implementing policies in line with Trump’s executive orders, signaling a swift transition in U.S. foreign policy. The administration’s focus on border security and military readiness remains central as it prepares for the final stages of its term.