The Senate Armed Services Committee has approved Pete Hegseth to serve as Secretary of Defense, following a party-line vote of 14-13 on Inauguration Day, pushing his nomination forward for a vote by the full Senate later this week. Hegseth, a former Fox News host and combat veteran, is touted by President Donald Trump as a transformative figure capable of shaking up the Pentagon's bureaucracy, which he describes as overly encumbered by regulations.

After the confirmation hearing, Senator Roger Wicker, chairing the committee, expressed hope for a swift Senate floor vote, emphasizing Hegseth’s knowledge and the need for changes in military operations. Conversely, Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized the process, claiming that it undermines the Senate’s constitutional duties and arguing that Hegseth is the “most unqualified nominee” in modern history.

During the hearing, Hegseth faced intense scrutiny over allegations of sexual assault, alcohol abuse, and management failures at veteran nonprofits he previously led. Although the majority of GOP members defended him against a backdrop of these accusations, there was visible dissent among Democrats. Some expressed concern over insufficient vetting, while Wicker reassured that Hegseth's unconventional background would be an asset for the Pentagon's leadership.

One critical moment in the proceedings involved Hegseth’s mother’s prior accusations against him, in which she labeled him “an abuser of women.” However, she later retracted her statements, claiming her son had changed. Additionally, Hegseth’s previous views opposing women in combat roles drew ire, despite his insistence on more inclusive stances during the confirmation process.

If confirmed, Hegseth will oversee the Department of Defense, which includes 3 million personnel, an $850 billion budget, and pivotal military operations against adversaries such as China, Russia, and threats from North Korea and Iran. Trump recently appointed Robert Salesses as the acting secretary of Defense, a signal that the administration is moving quickly to fill the leadership role at the Pentagon.

As the debate around Hegseth intensifies, significant voices like Senator Joni Ernst now support him, claiming he adequately addressed her inquiries and expressing confidence in his leadership. Hegseth has previously described himself as a change agent who aims to eradicate resources deemed to be 'woke' policies undermining military preparedness.

You can read more about the developments in Forbes and USA Today.