60 sources·Politics

Pete Hegseth Sworn in as Secretary of Defense Following Controversial Confirmation Vote

Pete Hegseth is sworn in as Secretary of Defense after a narrow Senate confirmation, amid allegations and concerns over his qualifications and behavior.

The distribution of story sources: left-leaning (blue), center (light gray), and right-leaning (red).
Mostly Reliable
The underlying sources are generally reliable but sometimes include opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
Balanced
The underlying sources are either a balanced mix of left and right or primarily centrist.
  1. Pete Hegseth sworn in as defense secretary: 'An honor of a lifetime'

    Pete Hegseth's confirmation as defense secretary marks a transformative moment for the Pentagon, as he vows to prioritize America's interests and restore military strength with a clear commitment to peace through strength.

    Pete Hegseth sworn in as defense secretary: 'An honor of a lifetime'

    FOX NewsFOX News·3M
    Mostly Reliable
    This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
    ·
    Leans Right
    This outlet slightly leans right.
  2. WATCH: Pete Hegseth delivers remarks after being sworn in as defense secretary

    Hegseth's confirmation as secretary of defense, despite significant concerns regarding his qualifications and character, reflects a troubling commitment by the Republican-led Senate to support Trump’s agenda at any cost.

    WATCH: Pete Hegseth delivers remarks after being sworn in as defense secretary

    PBS NewsHourPBS NewsHour·3M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  3. Hegseth is quickly sworn in as defense secretary after dramatic Senate vote

    Hegseth enters a high-stakes position at a time when the military faces significant global challenges, underscored by his lack of experience and the controversy surrounding his confirmation.

    Hegseth is quickly sworn in as defense secretary after dramatic Senate vote

    Associated PressAssociated Press·3M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  4. Hegseth says Pentagon will ‘put America first’ as sec. of defense

    Pete Hegseth's confirmation as Secretary of Defense signals a renewed commitment to a strong military focus, emphasizing deterrence and the readiness to engage decisively if necessary.

    Hegseth says Pentagon will ‘put America first’ as sec. of defense

    NewsNationNewsNation·3M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  5. Pete Hegseth sworn in as Trump’s defense secretary

    Hegseth's confirmation signals a contentious moment in U.S. politics, illustrating the deep divisions even within the Republican Party as he takes on the critical role of Secretary of Defense amid serious allegations and a tightly contested Senate vote.

    Pete Hegseth sworn in as Trump’s defense secretary

    New York PostNew York Post·3M
    Mostly Reliable
    This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
    ·
    Leans Right
    This outlet slightly leans right.
  6. Watch: Hegseth sworn in as Defense secretary

    With recent tumult overshadowing the nomination, Hegseth's confirmation as Secretary of Defense underlines both the contentious atmosphere of the Trump administration and the persistent loyalty shown by the former president to his allies.

    Watch: Hegseth sworn in as Defense secretary

    The HillThe Hill·3M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  7. How Pete Hegseth's nomination came back from "90% dead"

    The resilience of Trump's cabinet picks, exemplified by Hegseth's narrow confirmation, underscores the president's ability to weather scandals that would derail most politicians.

    How Pete Hegseth's nomination came back from "90% dead"

    AxiosAxios·3M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  8. Hegseth Confirmed as Trump's Defense Secretary in Tie-Breaking Vote Despite Questions Over His Conduct

    The Senate's decision to confirm Pete Hegseth as defense secretary, despite serious concerns about his qualifications and behavior, underscores the overwhelming influence of President Trump over the Republican majority in pursuing his agenda.

    Hegseth Confirmed as Trump's Defense Secretary in Tie-Breaking Vote Despite Questions Over His Conduct

    New York SunNew York Sun·3M
    Mixed Reliable
    This source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.
    ·
    Right
    This outlet favors right-wing views.
  9. MAGA Supporters Irate with McConnell After Hegseth No Vote

    The backlash against Mitch McConnell highlights a growing frustration among MAGA supporters who feel betrayed by a senator they believe should align more closely with Trump’s agenda, especially in the critical matter of national defense.

    MAGA Supporters Irate with McConnell After Hegseth No Vote

    NewsmaxNewsmax·3M
    Mixed Reliable
    This source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.
    ·
    Right
    This outlet favors right-wing views.
  10. Pete Hegseth Narrowly Confirmed as Trump's Defense Secretary

    The Senate's ability to confirm Hegseth despite a grave series of allegations against him provides a measure of Trump's political power and ability to get what he wants from the GOP-led Congress, revealing the influence of culture wars in shaping the White House agenda.

    Pete Hegseth Narrowly Confirmed as Trump's Defense Secretary

    TIME MagazineTIME Magazine·3M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  11. GOP-led Senate needs JD Vance to confirm Pete Hegseth as Defense secretary

    The narrow confirmation of Pete Hegseth amid serious allegations and concerns speaks volumes about the current state of political appointments under the Trump administration, raising questions about qualifications and integrity.

    GOP-led Senate needs JD Vance to confirm Pete Hegseth as Defense secretary

    AlterNetAlterNet·3M
    Mixed Reliable
    This source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.
    ·
    Left
    This outlet favors left-wing views.
  12. Hegseth confirmed as US defence chief in tiebreaker Senate vote

    The confirmation of Pete Hegseth as defense secretary serves not only as a contentious victory for Trump but raises serious questions about the fitness of a candidate mired in scandal to lead a complex military organization.

    Hegseth confirmed as US defence chief in tiebreaker Senate vote

    Al JazeeraAl Jazeera·3M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  13. Senate confirms Hegseth to lead Pentagon after VP Vance casts tie-breaking vote

    The confirmation of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense represents a deeply divisive moment in Senate history, underscored by intense scrutiny and concern from both sides regarding his qualifications and past controversies.

    Senate confirms Hegseth to lead Pentagon after VP Vance casts tie-breaking vote

    ABC NewsABC News·3M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  14. Hegseth Confirmed as Trump's Defense Secretary as JD Vance Casts Tie-Breaking Vote

    Pete Hegseth's confirmation as Secretary of Defense reflects the Senate's willingness to embrace unconventional candidates, even amidst skepticism about their qualifications.

    Hegseth Confirmed as Trump's Defense Secretary as JD Vance Casts Tie-Breaking Vote

    CBNCBN·3M
    Mostly Reliable
    This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
    ·
    Right
    This outlet favors right-wing views.
  15. Vance forced to break tie confirming Hegseth for defense secretary

    Despite a contentious confirmation process marred by allegations and past controversies, Pete Hegseth's ascent to the role of secretary of defense signals a troubling endorsement of a candidate whose views on military diversity and conduct raise significant concerns.

    Vance forced to break tie confirming Hegseth for defense secretary

    Straight Arrow NewsStraight Arrow News·3M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  16. Senate confirms Pete Hegseth as Trump's defense secretary in 51-50 vote

    The Senate's narrow confirmation of Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense highlights the divisive nature of his nomination, which was marred by serious allegations and fierce scrutiny, ultimately reflecting deep partisan divides.

    Senate confirms Pete Hegseth as Trump's defense secretary in 51-50 vote

    CBS NewsCBS News·3M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  17. Senate Confirms Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary After Hard-Won Fight

    The confirmation of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense represents a triumphant moment for the Republican party, showcasing their ability to push through a controversial candidate despite a fierce battle against a coordinated smear campaign backed by Democrats and media outlets.

    Senate Confirms Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary After Hard-Won Fight

    Breitbart NewsBreitbart News·3M
    Mixed Reliable
    This source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.
    ·
    Right
    This outlet favors right-wing views.
  18. Senate confirms Pete Hegseth as new secretary of defense

    The confirmation of Pete Hegseth, despite his controversial history and the opposition from several prominent Republicans, highlights the growing polarization within the Senate and raises concerns about the values guiding our national defense.

    Senate confirms Pete Hegseth as new secretary of defense

    World News GroupWorld News Group·3M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Leans Right
    This outlet slightly leans right.
  19. JD Vance breaks Senate tie, votes to confirm Hegseth in a victory for Trump

    Hegseth's narrow confirmation highlights a significant shift in the Pentagon's leadership landscape, reflecting the Trump administration's push for unconventional and polarizing figures in key roles.

    JD Vance breaks Senate tie, votes to confirm Hegseth in a victory for Trump

    Business InsiderBusiness Insider·3M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  20. Pete Hegseth confirmed as Trump's defence secretary

    The confirmation of Pete Hegseth as US defense secretary, despite serious allegations of misconduct that raise questions about his judgment and readiness, reflects a troubling trend in promoting loyalty over qualifications in key government positions.

    Pete Hegseth confirmed as Trump's defence secretary

    BBC NewsBBC News·3M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  21. Pete Hegseth: five things to know about the new US secretary of defense

    Pete Hegseth's confirmation as secretary of defense raises serious concerns about the implications of his extremist views and troubling personal history on the integrity of the position.

    Pete Hegseth: five things to know about the new US secretary of defense

    The GuardianThe Guardian·3M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  22. Republicans Bow to Trump, Confirm Scandal-Ridden Hegseth as Defense Secretary

    Hegseth’s confirmation is the most terrifying testament yet of the degree to which Congress is in thrall to Trump, rather than to the United States.

    Republicans Bow to Trump, Confirm Scandal-Ridden Hegseth as Defense Secretary

    Rolling StoneRolling Stone·3M
    Mixed Reliable
    This source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.
    ·
    Left
    This outlet favors left-wing views.
  23. Hegseth Confirmed As Secretary Of Defense After Chaotic Process

    Pete Hegseth's contentious confirmation underscores a division in the Senate that reflects broader national debates about military standards and the role of 'wokeness' in the armed forces.

    Hegseth Confirmed As Secretary Of Defense After Chaotic Process

    Daily CallerDaily Caller·3M
    Mixed Reliable
    This source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.
    ·
    Right
    This outlet favors right-wing views.
  24. Senate Confirms Hegseth for Defense Secretary With Vance Casting Tie-Breaker

    The confirmation of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense underscores the deep divisions within the Republican Party and raises significant concerns about his capability to confront current global threats.

    Senate Confirms Hegseth for Defense Secretary With Vance Casting Tie-Breaker

    Epoch TimesEpoch Times·3M
    Mixed Reliable
    This source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.
    ·
    Right
    This outlet favors right-wing views.
  25. Pete Hegseth, Trump's embattled pick for defense secretary, wins Senate confirmation

    Pete Hegseth's tumultuous rise to the role of defense secretary highlights the troubling realities of political appointments where experience and ethical considerations are often overshadowed by partisan loyalty.

    Pete Hegseth, Trump's embattled pick for defense secretary, wins Senate confirmation

    NPRNPR·3M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  26. Hegseth confirmed: Vance breaks tie after McConnell rebels - Washington Examiner

    The narrow confirmation of Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense, amidst a backdrop of partisan tension and doubts about his experience, underscores a troubling moment for the Republican Party as it grapples with critical national security challenges.

    Hegseth confirmed: Vance breaks tie after McConnell rebels - Washington Examiner

    Washington ExaminerWashington Examiner·3M
    Mostly Reliable
    This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
    ·
    Leans Right
    This outlet slightly leans right.
  27. Hegseth confirmed as next defense secretary by narrow Senate vote

    Hegseth's narrow confirmation illustrates the deep divisions within the Senate, as he steps into a role traditionally filled with broad bipartisan support, raising concerns about his suitability to lead during such a critical time.

    Hegseth confirmed as next defense secretary by narrow Senate vote

    Military TimesMilitary Times·3M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  28. Senate votes to confirm Pete Hegseth as Trump’s new Defense Secretary

    Hegseth's confirmation reflects a troubling trend in American politics, where allegations of misconduct are overlooked in favor of political loyalty and alignment with broader ideological goals.

    Senate votes to confirm Pete Hegseth as Trump’s new Defense Secretary

    USA TODAYUSA TODAY·3M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  29. JD Vance secures Pete Hegseth as defense secretary with tie-breaking vote

    The contentious confirmation of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense has raised significant concerns regarding his character and past behaviors, which many believe are wholly unsuitable for a leader of the nation's armed forces.

    JD Vance secures Pete Hegseth as defense secretary with tie-breaking vote

    NewsweekNewsweek·3M
    Mostly Reliable
    This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  30. McConnell sends a message

    McConnell's insistence on robust national security measures, along with his skepticism towards Hegseth's capabilities and Trump's isolationist tendencies, underscores a commitment to a proactive and engaged U.S. foreign policy in a tumultuous world.

    McConnell sends a message

    PoliticoPolitico·3M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  31. Mark Levin ROASTS corrupt politicians orchestrating character assassination against Pete Hegseth — ‘Capitol Hill is a cesspool’

    The Senate's confirmation process for Pete Hegseth has devolved into a political witch hunt, aimed not at determining qualifications but at dragging his past into the spotlight, revealing the hypocrisy and moral failings of the very politicians leading the charge.

    Mark Levin ROASTS corrupt politicians orchestrating character assassination against Pete Hegseth — ‘Capitol Hill is a cesspool’

    The BlazeThe Blaze·3M
    Mostly Reliable
    This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
    ·
    Right
    This outlet favors right-wing views.
  32. Senate to vote on whether to confirm Pete Hegseth as defense secretary

    The narrow margin in Hegseth's confirmation reflects a deeply divided Senate, with his controversial history raising significant concerns about his leadership capabilities in a pivotal role.

    Senate to vote on whether to confirm Pete Hegseth as defense secretary

    NBC NewsNBC News·3M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  33. Why Trump Isn’t Stressing About Losing GOP Votes for Hegseth

    The opposition from Murkowski and Collins highlights the increasing fractures within the Republican Party, as their willingness to prioritize integrity and experience over party loyalty raises important questions about Trump's influence on Senate dynamics.

    Why Trump Isn’t Stressing About Losing GOP Votes for Hegseth

    New York MagazineNew York Magazine·3M
    Mostly Reliable
    This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
    ·
    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  1. FOX News
  2. MEDIAite
  3. PBS NewsHour
  4. Associated Press
  5. NewsNation
  6. New York Post
  7. The Hill
  8. Axios
  9. New York Sun
  10. Newsmax
  11. TIME Magazine
  12. AlterNet
  13. Al Jazeera
  14. ABC News
  15. CBN
  16. Straight Arrow News
  17. Salon
  18. CBS News
  19. Breitbart News
  20. World News Group
  21. Business Insider
  22. BBC News
  23. The Guardian
  24. Rolling Stone
  25. Daily Caller
  26. Epoch Times
  27. NPR
  28. Washington Examiner
  29. Military Times
  30. USA TODAY
  31. Newsweek
  32. Politico
  33. The Blaze
  34. NBC News
  35. New York Magazine

Updated: Jan 25th, 2025, 3:13 PM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Pete Hegseth was sworn in as the 29th Secretary of Defense after a tense 51-50 Senate vote, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tiebreaker. Despite serious allegations of misconduct, including heavy alcohol use and inappropriate behavior toward women, Hegseth received President Trump's backing, which helped advance his nomination. In his inaugural speech, Hegseth emphasized a need to restore military prowess and deter conflict, while also acknowledging he must build a strong team in a time of global challenges. His confirmation faced significant opposition from Senate Democrats and three Republicans, amid concerns over his qualifications for the role.


Perspectives

Compare opinions on this story from liberal (Left), conservative (Right) or center-leaning news organizations.

No center-leaning sources available for this story.


History

A summary of how this story has evolved over the last 24 hours.
  • 3M
  • 3M
  • 3M
  • 3M