On Friday, Pete Hegseth became the second person to be confirmed to a cabinet secretary post when Vice President JD Vance cast the deciding vote, ensuring he will be the next defense secretary. Ms. Murkowski and Ms. Collins also voted against him, along with Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky.

The Senate has voted to confirm Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary. The vote was 50-50, with Republican Senators Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voting against his confirmation.

Pete Hegseth was sworn in to lead the Department of Defense on Saturday, after a narrow vote in the Senate. The vote on Friday night was initially 50-50, with Vice President JD Vance then casting the tie-breaking vote.