New US government: US Vice Vance swears in Hegseth and rejects criticism

US Vice President JD Vance defended new Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth against criticism at his swearing-in ceremony. “All people in the armed forces should trust him because he cares about them and will fight for them,” said the Republican when asked by a journalist why women in the US military should trust Hegseth. The question was actually addressed to the defense minister, who had just been sworn in by Vance – but the US vice president answered. Vance went on to say that Hegseth would ensure “that we have a military that we can all be proud of.”

Minister with no political experience

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. 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.

There were also reservations within his own ranks when he was confirmed in the US Senate. In the end, Vice President Vance’s vote was needed to achieve the necessary majority in the Senate, which broke a stalemate. Hegseth joked about it after his swearing-in and said, referring to his critics: “We defied you.” He emphasized that the USA did not want to wage wars. But if necessary, the enemy will be destroyed “with overwhelming force.” “We will put America first, we will bring peace through strength.”