New US government
Former TV host becomes Trump’s defense secretary
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Trump proposed a controversial candidate for the Pentagon, of all places. Now Pete Hegseth has secured one of the most important ministries in the USA. With very little support.
Former TV presenter Pete Hegseth will be defense minister under the new US President Donald Trump. In the end, Vice President JD Vance’s vote was needed to achieve the necessary majority in the Senate, which broke a stalemate. In addition to the Democrats, three Republicans voted against Hegseth. The 44-year-old will head the Pentagon, one of the most important ministries in the USA.
Due to the narrow majority of Republicans in the chamber and concerns within his own ranks, Hegseth was not sure of the office until the last moment. In addition to two Republican senators, former majority leader Mitch McConnell also voted against him.
Hegseth is best known in the USA from his time at the Trump-friendly channel Fox News. He was one of the most controversial candidates Trump nominated for his cabinet. Aside from an unsuccessful bid for a seat in the US Senate for Minnesota, the journalist has no political experience.
Accusations overshadowed personnel
After his nomination, reports about alleged racist and sexist statements by Hegseth, alcohol abuse and sexual assault also caused a stir. Hegseth firmly rejects the allegations.
Shortly before the vote, new allegations came to light. Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren also announced that Hegseth told the Senate that he paid $50,000 to a woman who has remained anonymous and who accused him of rape as part of a settlement agreement with a confidentiality clause.
Because there were reservations about his nomination in the Republican ranks, he held intensive discussions with senators. Nevertheless, there were three dissenters: Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins and McConnell. The two senators had openly expressed their concerns.
Hegseth came to the US Capitol in the evening for the vote. While the senators were voting, he published a letter on Platform X addressed to a Republican senator. He still had unanswered questions regarding the allegations that had become public, but Hegseth rejected them. The senator ultimately voted for Hegseth.
Hegseth presents himself as an innovator
At his Senate hearing, the 44-year-old presented himself as an innovator. It’s time for someone with “dust on his boots” to bring the “fighter ethos” back to the Pentagon. He would pursue an “America First” policy and achieve peace through strength. Hegseth’s statements that women could not be used in combat missions caused irritation.
A senior Republican favorably called Hegseth an unconventional candidate – and drew a parallel to Trump. He repeatedly breaks with convention and ran in the 2016 election as a candidate without any significant political experience.
McConnell: Failure would have serious consequences
After voting no to Hegseth, Senator McConnell said the Secretary of Defense was the most important Cabinet member. “Given the gravest threats to U.S. national security interests since World War II, this position is even more important today,” the Republican said.
Hegseth has not yet shown that he will pass the test: He has not said how Taiwan or the Philippines could be defended against a Chinese attack. There was still a substantial exchange about how the USA could counter its opponents through closer alliances. “Once he takes office, the consequences of failure will be more severe than ever before.”
Security policy decisions
As defense minister, the former soldier is responsible for the most powerful military in the world, 3.5 million military and civilian employees, a budget of around $800 billion as well as armaments projects and major security policy decisions.
Trump also relies on the Pentagon to implement his tough anti-migration course. On his first day in office, he gave the defense secretary the authority to send as many soldiers as necessary to secure the southern border.
dpa
Source: Stern

I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.