The Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as the nation’s Secretary of Defense late Friday in a dramatic tie-breaking vote, overcoming vocal opposition and questions surrounding his qualifications and character. This confirmation solidifies President Donald Trump’s national security team as he prepares to take office.
Samantha Deering, ex-wife of Pete Hegseth, has publicly denied allegations of abuse made by Hegseth’s estranged ex-sister-in-law, Danielle Dietrich. The allegations surfaced just days before Hegseth’s expected confirmation as defense secretary, prompting accusations of a politically motivated smear campaign.
The Senate Armed Services Committee advanced Pete Hegseth’s nomination for Secretary of Defense to the full Senate on Monday, moving him closer to confirmation. The vote, which took place behind closed doors, was strictly along party lines, with all 14 Republican members supporting and all 13 Democratic members opposing.
Holly K. Talley, a former colleague of Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, criticized Senate Democrats for perpetuating false allegations during Hegseth's confirmation hearing. Talley, who worked with Hegseth at Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) from 2013 to 2015, directly refuted claims that Hegseth engaged in inappropriate conduct during a trip to Louisiana.
