Three GOP senators, including Mitch McConnell, voted against Trump’s embattled nominee, forcing J.D. Vance to break the tie.

WASHINGTON – The Senate narrowly confirmed Pete Hegseth on Friday as secretary of Defense, a win for President Donald Trump's new administration after its 44-year-old nominee fended off allegations of sexual assault, public drinking and intoxication, and abusive treatment of women.

A Princeton and Harvard-educated former combat veteran, Hegseth went on to make a career at Fox News, where he hosted a weekend show. Trump tapped him as the defense secretary to lead an organization with nearly 2.1 million service members, about 780,000 civilians and a budget of $850 billion.

Pete Hegseth was sworn in as the 29th U.S. secretary of defense after Vice President JD Vance cast a tie-breaking vote in a narrow Senate confirmation.

Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump's pick to lead the Pentagon, cleared a key procedural hurdle in the Senate on Thursday to advance his nomination.

The former Fox News host faced allegations about sexual assault and excessive drinking, which he called smears.

Pete Hegseth needed the vice president's vote to break a Senate tie for his confirmation as Defense secretary. Kelly and Gallego of Arizona voted no.

The U.S. Senate has confirmed Pete Hegseth as defense secretary. Vice President JD Vance cast a rare tie-breaking vote to confirm Hegseth, a former Fox News host and combat veteran who faced accusations of rape,

The Senate just barely confirmed Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary last week. Mitch McConnell’s vote against him in particular could spell trouble for Trump's shakiest nominees, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr,

We shouldn’t expect McConnell to be the next John McCain or Mitt Romney, but his vote Friday against Pete Hegseth previewed some fascinating dynamics ahead.

Readers criticize the vote on the defense secretary nomination. Also: President Trump and tariffs; silencing health officials; firing of inspectors general; longevity.