Hegseth confirmed as defense secretary

PHOTO CAPTION: Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to be U.S. Defense Secretary walks with his wife Jennifer Rauchet in the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., December 11, 2024. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Pete Hegseth narrowly secured enough votes on Friday to become the next U.S. defense secretary, a major victory for President Donald Trump after fierce opposition from Democrats and even some Republicans to his controversial nominee.

Hegseth was confirmed after a 50-50 vote in the Senate, when Vice President JD Vance came to the chamber to break the tie, after three Republicans joined every Democrat and independent in voting no.

(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by William Mallard)

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