Trump’s pick to lead the Pentagon narrowly wins dramatic vote after Mitch McConnell leads Republican rebellion

Combat veteran and former Fox News host Pete Hegseth has been confirmed by the US Senate as President Donald Trump's defence secretary Meanwhile, Trump has toured Los Angeles areas which were ravaged by fires, meeting with local authorities and first responders

The Senate confirmation of Pete Hegseth as Donald Trump’s next Secretary of Defense was hung up late Friday evening in a last-minute nail-biter vote following several misconduct allegations that threatened to tank his nomination.

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The Senate advanced Pete Hegseth's nomination as defense secretary, despite Democrats' objections and unease among Republicans over sexual assault allegations and concerns about his qualifications.

The procedural vote of 51-49 put the Fox News host on the path for approval Friday evening, after senators engage in 30 hours of debate. If McConnell would’ve voted “no,” it would’ve forced Vice President J.D. Vance to break a tie on the Senate floor.

Pete Hegseth was confirmed as defense secretary late Friday by the U.S. Senate after Vice President JD Vance broke a 50-50 tie as Senate president.

The vote comes after the Senate narrowly advanced Hegseth's nomination to lead the Pentagon on Thursday, with two Republicans voting against him.

WASHINGTON: The US Senate appeared poised Friday (Jan 24) to narrowly confirm former Fox News host Peter Hegseth for defence secretary, with opponents saying Donald Trump's pick has nowhere near the experience for the huge job and a disturbing history of heavy drinking and domestic abuse.

Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth narrowly earned enough Republican support to clear a key Senate hurdle and is now all but assured confirmation.