Trump Responds After Senate Vance Casts Tiebreaking Vote to Confirm Hegseth

Former President Donald Trump addressed the late-night drama in the Senate regarding the confirmation of Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host, as Secretary of Defense.
The confirmation hinged on a tie-breaking vote by Vice President JD Vance after three Republican senators—Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky—joined all 47 Democrats in opposing Hegseth.
“I’m honored to have Pete. I think Pete’s gonna be a great Secretary of Defense, and we’re honored to have him,” Trump said as he boarded Air Force One in Los Angeles. His remarks followed a hectic day that included visits to storm-hit North Carolina and wildfire-affected areas in Los Angeles. When asked about McConnell’s “no” vote, Trump appeared unaware of it, adding, “Winning is what matters, right?”
🚨President Trump reacts to Pete Hegseth becoming the next Secretary of Defense:
— Sara Rose 🇺🇸🌹 (@saras76) January 25, 2025
"I'm honored to have Pete. I think Pete's gonna be a great Secretary of Defense and we're honored to have him." 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/in0etVUaIN
Despite the opposition from some within his own party, the majority of Republican senators voiced strong support for Hegseth. Many praised his military background and vision for the Department of Defense. Senator Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who served as a JAG officer in the Air Force, described Hegseth as a “change agent” with a “passion for the warfighter.”
Graham added, “He did an excellent job during a very contentious hearing and withstood all the attacks that came his way. He is bullish on creating a larger, more lethal military and is clear-eyed about America’s enemies, including Iran. Israel will have no better friend than Pete Hegseth.”
Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, expressed pride in voting for Hegseth’s confirmation, calling him “the change agent that the DOD desperately needs.” Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma celebrated the confirmation, tweeting, “We did it, America,” and praising Hegseth’s leadership. Senator Mike Lee, R-Utah, stated, “Heck yeah! @PeteHegseth is the man for the job,” and Senator Roger Marshall, R-Kan., congratulated Hegseth for bringing “transformative change” to the military.
Senator Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., highlighted Hegseth’s alignment with her vision for the military, stating, “Pete Hegseth is the perfect fit to make our military great again and achieve peace through strength. It was an honor to support his nomination.” She expressed confidence in his ability to restore trust in the Department of Defense by prioritizing warfighters over bureaucracy.
House Republicans also shared their enthusiasm for Hegseth’s confirmation. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., congratulated him, saying, “Every brave service member and every American is safer with you leading the Pentagon.
American strength is BACK!” Representative Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., also expressed her congratulations, calling Hegseth their “NEW secretary of defense.”
However, Senate Democrats voiced strong opposition to Hegseth’s appointment, questioning his qualifications and credibility. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., argued, “Is Pete Hegseth—who failed to manage the finances of veterans’ nonprofit groups, who drove his organizations into debt to the point where he could not even pay creditors—really the person Republicans want in charge of the Pentagon’s budget?” Similarly, Senator Adam Schiff, D-Calif., criticized Hegseth, stating, “We deserve a Secretary of Defense with solid experience, sound judgment, and good character. Pete Hegseth does not meet the test.”
Despite the criticism, Hegseth’s confirmation represents a significant victory for Trump-era Republicans and reflects a broader push to reshape the Department of Defense under new leadership.