Pete Hegseth was confirmed as the new Defense secretary after a narrow Senate vote that required Vice President Vance to step in and break the tie.

The confirmation vote ended at 51-50, with an unexpected twist as Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell voted against Hegseth, highlighting intra-party tensions and widespread opposition from Democrats, as the Washington Examiner reports.

Hegseth's confirmation stirred controversy due to various allegations and questions regarding his qualifications.

The vote required Vance's intervention for the first time since his tenure, marking a significant political moment.

Hegseth, an Army veteran with accolades such as two Bronze Stars, also held a career as a Fox News personality.

McConnell Leads Surprise Opposition

McConnell took Washington by surprise with his decision to vote "no" on Hegseth's confirmation.

Previously, McConnell had been supportive of moving Hegseth's nomination forward.

That made his final vote against him particularly surprising to some.

His dissent aligned with that of Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, further challenging the nominee's path to confirmation.

McConnell expressed his views by challenging Hegseth's capability to manage the Pentagon's vast and intricate "bureaucracy."

He noted that having experience as a "change agent" does not automatically equip one for such a critical role.

His concern extended to how Hegseth would navigate the complexities of the current geopolitical scenario and restore the military's internal culture.

Hegseth's Background and Troublesome Allegations

Hegseth carries a notable background as an Army veteran with awards for his military service.

However, his candidacy raised concerns due to allegations related to misconduct.

Claims included those related to sexual assault and alcohol misuse.

Furthermore, there were claims of financial irregularities and mismanagement during his oversight of veterans’ organizations.

Despite these controversies, some supporters like Sen. John Thune believed in Hegseth's ability to bring fresh perspectives to the Pentagon.

Thune emphasized the significance of having a “warrior’s perspective” in leading national defense efforts.