U.S. Senate delivers Trump admin a victory that has the Left melting down with rage

hegseth

Trump’s second term has barely just started. But he’s already securing wins.

And the U.S. Senate has delivered the Trump admin a victory that has the Left melting down with rage.

Pete Hegseth Confirmed as Secretary of Defense Following Contentious Senate Vote

In a dramatic Friday evening session, the Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense in a razor-thin 51-50 vote. Vice President JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote, marking the end of a contentious confirmation process.

The confirmation split along party lines, with Republican Senators Susan Collins (ME), Mitch McConnell (KY), and Lisa Murkowski (AK) breaking ranks to vote against Hegseth. Their opposition added to the uphill battle the combat veteran and former Fox News host faced throughout his nomination.

Hegseth’s path to confirmation was fraught with challenges, including doubts from key Republicans and allegations circulated by Democratic senators. Early in the process, his nomination appeared at risk, with several GOP senators expressing skepticism about his candidacy. Despite this, Hegseth mounted a determined campaign, spending weeks on Capitol Hill addressing concerns and rallying support among his party.

Although Hegseth also engaged with Democratic senators, they remained united in their opposition. In a final effort to derail his nomination, Democrats circulated an affidavit from Danielle Dietrich, Hegseth’s estranged former sister-in-law, alleging abuse of his ex-wife, Samantha Deering. Deering refuted these claims, telling NBC News that no abuse occurred during their marriage and questioning the accuracy of the affidavit. Nevertheless, many media outlets prominently featured the allegations, threatening to sway wavering senators.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) expressed last-minute reservations, reportedly seeking additional answers from Hegseth on the day of the vote. Hours before the decision, Hegseth addressed Tillis’s concerns in a public letter posted on X. Ultimately, Hegseth secured the confirmation with the minimal Republican support needed, relying on Vice President Vance’s tie-breaking vote.

A Grassroots Campaign and High-Profile Support

Hegseth’s allies celebrated his victory as a triumph over partisan opposition and media scrutiny. Mike Davis, founder of the Article III Project (A3P), credited a robust grassroots effort for turning the tide. “The conventional wisdom in Washington said Pete Hegseth’s nomination was dead on arrival. With our shock-and-awe media blitz and overwhelming grassroots campaign, A3P changed the politics by giving U.S. Senators an attitude adjustment,” Davis said.

Mark Lucas, A3P’s executive vice president, praised the new Secretary of Defense’s dedication to the military. “Pete Hegseth will restore honor and dignity to our military by focusing on the fundamentals of warfighting,” Lucas said, highlighting Hegseth’s combat experience and leadership.

Republican Praise and Democratic Skepticism

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) expressed strong support for Hegseth, citing his patriotism and commitment to reforming the Pentagon. “During the most dangerous national security moment since World War II, we cannot wait another minute to rebuild our military might and put the warfighter first,” Wicker stated.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who initially voiced doubts about Hegseth, ultimately backed the nominee. “He is bullish on creating a larger, more lethal military and is clear-eyed about America’s enemies, including Iran. Israel will have no better friend than Pete Hegseth,” Graham said.

Other Republican senators, including Dave McCormick (R-PA) and John Cornyn (R-TX), echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Hegseth’s alignment with President Trump’s “peace through strength” strategy. McCormick, a fellow Army veteran, noted that Hegseth “has put his life on the line to defend America. I trust he will put the men and women warfighters first.”

However, Democratic senators remained critical. Senate Minority Leader Jack Reed (D-RI), a leading opponent, pledged to hold Hegseth accountable while seeking common ground when possible.

“I will always pick up the phone for Mr. Hegseth and seek opportunities to work with the Secretary to strengthen and support our military,” Reed said.

Looking Ahead

President Trump hailed Hegseth’s confirmation, telling reporters, “I think Pete is going to be a great Secretary of Defense.” With his confirmation secured, Hegseth faces the daunting task of leading the Pentagon during a time of heightened global tensions and internal challenges. Supporters hope his leadership will usher in significant reforms, while critics vow to scrutinize his every move.

Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.