The Senate voted Friday night on the confirmation of Trump's pick to lead the Department of Defense, Pete Hegseth.
The secretary of defense has been accused of alcohol abuse and various forms of misconduct — allegations he has denied.
In a signed affidavit, Pete Hegseth's former sister-in-law claimed his ex-wife was terrified of him and hid in a closet when he threatened her.
The Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth late Friday, swatting back questions about his qualifications to lead the Pentagon.
The newly sworn-in defense secretary outlined plans on Saturday to advance the president's defense priorities.
Vice President Vance cast a tie-breaking vote as Hegseth overcame allegations of sexual assault, public drunkenness and questions of financial mismanagement to win Senate approval.
A Princeton and Harvard-educated former combat veteran, Hegseth went on to make a career at Fox News, where he hosted a weekend show. Trump tapped him as the defense secretary to lead an organization with nearly 2.1 million service members, about 780,000 civilians and a budget of $850 billion.
Trump tried to impose a ban on transgender troops during his first term, but it was tangled up in the courts for years before being overturned by Joe Biden.
WASHINGTON – The Senate narrowly confirmed Pete Hegseth on Friday as secretary of Defense, a win for President Donald Trump's new administration after its 44-year-old nominee fended off allegations of sexual assault, public drinking and intoxication, and abusive treatment of women.
At the White House, President Donald Trump said he was surprised that two senators have publicly said they'll vote against his nominee to lead the Defense Department.
Newly-confirmed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth received strong praise from President Trump and other Republicans following a nail-biting Senate vote Friday night that will see him take command of the Pentagon.