After rampant speculation and attempts at Democratic filibustering, the U.S. Senate on Friday confirmed Pete Hegseth as President Donald Trump's next secretary of defense.

The vote came in late Friday night, with Vice President J.D. Vance having to cast the tie-breaking vote after Republican U.S. Sens. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and every Senate Democrat voted against the confirmation.

Initial reactions to Hegseth's nomination were centered around his perceived lack of qualifications for the job. However, in recent weeks, the conversation has dealt with accusations of drunkenness and sexual misconduct.

One charge came in 2017 after a woman accused Hegseth of sexually assaulting her at a Republican Women's convention. The woman filed a police report, which was made public after he was announced as Trump's pick. However, no charges were ever filed, and the pair reached a settlement agreement.

Another story in the New Yorker detailed alleged testimony from unnamed former employees of Concerned Veterans for America, where Hegseth served as president from 2013 to 2016. The report lists accusations of repeated drunkenness on Hegseth's part. Other anonymous sources claimed Hegseth left the organization due to concerns about financial mismanagement, sexual misconduct and his drinking. However, many current and former Concerned Veterans employees have publicly denied the accusations.

While some have expressed concerns over the accusations, others have dismissed them as anonymous rumors designed to smear Hegseth's reputation ahead of his Senate confirmation.

SEE: Tuberville doubles-down on support for Trump cabinet picks Hegseth, Patel — 'The answer to the problems that we have in Washington, D.C.'

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) praised the win with a terse but clear message on social media.

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) released a statement applauding Hegseth's confirmation as a return of the U.S. to a policy of "peace through strength."

"Voting to confirm Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense reaffirms my steadfast commitment to advancing President Trump's doctrine of peace through strength. Secretary Hegseth will put our warfighters in the best position and return the Pentagon's focus to our force's lethality, providing a credible deterrent against our adversaries.

"After meeting with him during the confirmation process, I know Secretary Hegseth appreciates the importance of Alabama to our national defense. Whether it is Fort Novosel, Redstone Arsenal, Anniston Army Depot, Maxwell Air Force Base, or Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, I look forward to working with Secretary Hegseth to maximize the roles our great state's installations, capabilities, and synergies play in supporting our men and women in uniform and protecting our nation long into the future."

U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) also applauded the confirmation, saying Hegseth would "remove the cancer of wokeness from our military!"

In Alabama state politics, Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth also congratulated Hegseth, saying he would be vital in improving American security in the Trump administration.

To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.

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