Washington:
The US Senate confirmed former Fox News fellow Gastheer Pete Hegseeth as Pentagon Chief on Friday, despite accusations of alcohol abuse, sexual misconduct and other fears of his ability to lead the world's most powerful army.
Three Republican senators voted against Donald Trump's choice as Minister of Defense, which resulted in a 50-50 draw in which JD Vance had to cast the decisive mood-all the second time in history a vice-president had to intervene to one nominated cabinet.
The Razor-Rand result underlined the concern about Hegseeth, who will take over the Pentagon with war in Ukraine, the Middle East Volatile despite Straking-Fires in Lebanon and Gaza, and while Trump the role of the army in safety on the border between the US-Mexico.
The 44-year-old is a former officer of the National Guard of the army who until recently worked as a fellow guest for FOX News-one of Trump's favorite television channels.
Hegseeth has a combative media personality, fierce loyalty and telegenic appearance – common characteristics in the entourage of Trump.
Proponents say that the use of Hegseeth in Afghanistan and Iraq give him the insight to lead the Ministry of Defense better than more experienced officials who normally qualify for the job.
He has promised to concentrate the army on “deadliness” and to bring “warrior culture” back to the Pentagon.
By confirming him, the Republicans wiped his lack of experience aside that led an organization near the size of the Ministry of Defense – the largest employer in the country with around three million employees.
They also approved Hegseeth, despite accusations of financial maladministration at non -profit organizations of veterans where he previously worked, reports about excessive drinking and accusations that he has sexually abused a woman in California.
Asked during his confirmation hearing last week about criticism with which he is dealing with, Hegseeth said that there was a “coordinated smear campaign” against him, and that he is “not a perfect person, but repayment is real.”
Trump stood him and reporters told Friday: “Pete is a very, very good man.”
'Irregular and aggressive behavior'
But three Republicans – senators Susan Collins, Mitch McConnell and Lisa Murkowski – were not convinced and voted against him.
Murkowski said on X the day before the Friday vote that “behavior in the past admitted Mr Hegseeth, including unfaithfulness on multiple occasions, show a lack of judgment that is undisputed from someone who would lead our forces.”
Prior to his approval by the entire Senate, the laws received a statement from Hegseeth's former sister -in -law Danielle Hegseeth who contributed to the accusations against him.
“I believe that Hegseeth has a problem with alcohol abuse and was offensive to his ex-wife Samantha,” said the statement, although it noted that Danielle Hegseeth personally did not personally witness physical or sexual abuse by the incoming defense minister.
Danielle Hegseeth said, however, that they 'personally observed … Hegseeth's irregular and aggressive behavior for many years', that she was subjected to emotional abuse, and that her ex-wife was told that she had once hidden herself in a closet in A cupboard because she “feared for her personal safety.”
According to the sworn explanation, Hegseeth also told his ex-sister that women should not work or have the right to vote, and said that “Christians should have more children so that they can catch up with the Muslim population.”
During his combative confirmation hearing, Hegseeth held on to his opposition against diversity, fairness and inclusion policy – for a long time a bugbear for republicans – and said they “divide troops into formations in formations, so that commanders run on eggshells, do not put meritocracy in first place . “
But he tried to mitigate earlier comments against women who serve in fights and say the legislators that “women have access to ground combat roles … Given the standards remain high.”
Three more of the most controversial nominees of Trump will soon be grilled by legislators.
Kash Patel – The nominee of Trump to Leiden FBI – Tulsi Gabbard, his choice for director of National Intelligence, and Robert F Kennedy JR, the choice of President for Secretary of Health and Human Services, is expected to have hearings next week .
(Except for the headline, this story was not edited by DailyExpertNews staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.)