Hegseth Wins Senate Approval for Pentagon Job in a Bow to Trump

Pete Hegseth departs the US Capitol following his confirmation vote in Washington, DC, on Jan. 24.Photographer: Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg

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By Steven T. Dennis and Natalia Drozdiak

January 24, 2025 at 9:38 PM EST

Updated on

January 24, 2025 at 9:50 PM EST

Pete Hegseth will become the next secretary of defense after a Senate majority confirmed President Donald Trump’s choice despite his lack of high-level experience and allegations — which he denied — of alcohol abuse, sexual misconduct and financial mismanagement of organizations he previously led.

The move by the Republican-controlled Senate was a testament to Trump’s ability to maneuver his narrow control of Congress, as lawmakers voted 51-50 to back Hegseth, a 44-year-old former Fox TV host, largely along party lines.