Senate confirms controversial Fox host as defense chief
The US Senate approved the nomination of Fox News host Pete Hegseth as the new Secretary of Defense on Friday. Hegseth received Senate approval by just one vote. The journalist is embroiled in numerous allegations and scandals, including accusations of alcohol abuse at work and sexual assault.
50 senators voted in favor of Hegseth's confirmation, and the decisive vote was cast by Vice President J.D. Vance. Three Republicans opposed his candidacy: Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Mitch McConnell. Hegseth, a former National Guard officer, led veterans' rights organizations from which he was removed due to financial issues.
All Democratic senators also opposed.
Numerous controversies
Hegseth is one of Trump's most controversial nominees. The allegations include sexual assaults, drinking on the job, and domestic violence. During the confirmation process, it was revealed that he paid $50,000 to a woman accusing him of sexual assault in 2017. Hegseth denied these allegations as false, and the police did not charge him.
During the hearing in the Senate Armed Services Committee, Hegseth promised a "return the Pentagon to the warfighters," the removal of diversity programs, and strengthening the military industry.
Goals of the new defense chief
-First and foremost, we will defend our homeland, our borders and our skies. Second, we will work with our partners and allies to deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific from the Communist Chinese. And finally, we will responsibly end wars to ensure that we prioritise our resources to reorient to larger threats - he outlined.
Hegseth also addressed the war in Ukraine, stating that "it's a political decision at the presidential level." - We know who the aggressor is. We know who the good guy is. We want this to be as beneficial as possible for the Ukrainians. But this war needs to end - he added.
Criticism from Democrats
From the beginning, Democrats criticized Hegseth as the least qualified candidate for the position.
- He has neither the character, the experience, or the judgement required by the job. If there is one word that should never describe a Secretary of Defense, in this important position, it is "erratic." But that is the one word that describes Mr. Hegseth best - said Democratic leader Chuck Schumer.
