Former Fox News host Pete Hegseth was confirmed as Defense Secretary Friday night on a narrow vote in the U.S. Senate, a victory for President Donald Trump despite disturbing allegations about Hegseth’s conduct and questions about his fitness for the job, Variety reports.
Hegseth’s appointment was secured in a late-night vote only when Vice President J.D. Vance stepped in to break the tie after three Senate Republicans voted against him. Hegseth has been accused of sexual assault and of having a history of alcohol abuse. His candidacy seemed in doubt earlier in the week when another person came forward with allegations that Hegseth had been abusive to his former wife.
Hegseth was co-host of Fox News’ “Fox & Friends Weekend” daytime show from 2017 until late last year when he stepped down after Trump nominated him to oversee the nation’s military. He previously served in the National Guard and was deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq. But from the start he has been criticized by many military professionals as shockingly unqualified to lead such a large organization as the Pentagon.
