The new defense secretary’s goals run counter to the military’s apolitical tradition and efforts to build a force that mirrors America.

Pete Hegseth was sworn in to lead the Department of Defense on Saturday, after a narrow vote in the Senate. The vote on Friday night was initially 50-50, with Vice President JD Vance then casting the tie-breaking vote.

A senator told Hegseth: "I suggest you do a little homework before you prepare for these types of negotiations."

Pete Hegseth was confirmed as the new defense secretary, narrowly surviving a betrayal by Mitch McConnell and his two RINO renegades.

Former National Guard infantry officer and Fox News host Pete Hegseth is preparing to be sworn in as defense secretary following a confirmation vote Friday.

Vice President JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote to confirm former Fox News personality Pete Hegseth as the US defence secretary.

Hegseth's confirmation is a narrow victory for Trump and supporters who want to see a warrior and change agent lead the Pentagon.

Democrats say Hegseth’s lack of experience, his past comments about women and Black troops and allegations of excessive drinking, and sexual misconduct, make him unfit to serve.

Wicker did not specify what day the vote would take place, but said it could be as late as next Thursday if Senate Democrats do not allow the chamber to speed up the confirmation process.

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for defense secretary, said in his Senate confirmation hearing that the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in Israel were the direct result of President Biden’s 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump's choice to be defense secretary, gives a thumbs-up at the completion of his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee at the Capitol on Jan.

Pete Hegseth has been sworn as the secretary of defense, taking the oath from Vice President JD Vance less than 12 hours after a dramatic late-night vote in the Senate.