Pete Hegseth was sworn into his new position as secretary of defense Saturday morning after being confirmed in a contentious Senate vote the night before.
Hegseth, a former Fox News host, was sworn in by Vice President JD Vance who officiated the ceremony.
“It is the privilege of a lifetime to lead the warriors of the Department of Defense, under the leadership of our Commander in Chief Donald J. Trump. We will put America First, and we will never back down,” Hegseth said in an official memo after being sworn in.
“The President gave us a clear mission: achieve Peace through Strength. We will do this in three ways — by restoring the warrior ethos, rebuilding our military, and reestablishing deterrence.”
Hegseth, who has faced allegations of drunkenness and other personal misconduct, suffered three Republican defections and was voted in only with Vice President JD Vance casting a tie-breaking vote.
Sens Susan Collins (R-ME), Lisa Murkowski R-AK) and Mitch McConnell (R-KY) joined all Democrats voting against Hegseth’s nomination
“Congratulations to Pete Hegseth. He will make a great Secretary of Defense!” President Trump wrote on Truth Social Friday night.
