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Senate Moves Forward with Pete Hegseth’s Nomination for Defense Secretary
Trump’s pick for the Pentagon clears a key hurdle amid partisan debate.
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Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of defense, moved closer to confirmation on Monday after the Senate Armed Services Committee voted along party lines to advance his nomination. The 14-13 vote highlights the sharp partisan divide over the former Fox News host and Army veteran’s suitability for the role.
The committee vote followed a heated debate over Hegseth’s qualifications and fitness for one of the most critical positions in Trump’s cabinet. Republican senators emphasized the urgency of filling the post, waiving a rule requiring seven days’ notice before a vote. Democrats, however, expressed concerns about alleged controversies tied to Hegseth, arguing the rushed timeline was meant to avoid scrutiny.
CNN’s Manu Raju noted the contentious atmosphere surrounding the nomination:
“The GOP-led Senate Armed Services Committee approved the nomination of Pete Hegseth as defense secretary along party lines, capping an intense debate within the panel over the former Fox News host and military veteran’s fitness for the critical position.”
Despite the controversies, Republicans are confident that Hegseth will secure the necessary votes in the full Senate, where a GOP majority is expected to carry his confirmation.
Hegseth’s advancement is part of a broader push to solidify Trump’s cabinet in the early days of his second term. On the same day, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) was unanimously confirmed as Secretary of State, becoming the first member of Trump’s new cabinet. Other key nominees, including John Ratcliffe for CIA Director and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem for Secretary of Homeland Security, also cleared committee votes on Monday.
Sen. Jim Banks (R-IN) voiced the urgency to finalize Hegseth’s confirmation, posting on X:
“I just voted to advance Pete Hegseth’s nomination to the Senate floor. There is no time to waste. The Senate should confirm Hegseth NOW!”
Monday also saw the Senate pass the “Laken Riley Act,” an immigration-focused bill that has been a priority for Trump’s administration. The act will now return to the House for consideration after Senate amendments.
With Hegseth poised for confirmation, Trump’s cabinet is rapidly taking shape, reflecting his administration’s commitment to securing America’s borders, strengthening the military, and putting America first on the global stage.
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