This post has been updated with statements from Sen. Roger Wicker and Sen. Jack Reed. The Senate on Friday confirmed Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host and member of the National Guard, to serve as the next Secretary of Defense in a 51 to 50 decision late Friday with Vice President J.

Michigan's U.S. senators voted in committee against Trump's picks to lead the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth, and White House budget office, Russell Vought.

Whatever is needed at the border will be provided,” Pete Hegseth, the new defense secretary, told reporters on Monday.

When Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth starts his first official day on Monday morning, he will face a daunting array of issues to tackle — from global conflicts and border security to administrative tasks.

Pete Hegseth was sworn in to lead the Department of Defense on Saturday, after a narrow vote in the Senate. The vote on Friday night was initially 50-50, with Vice President JD Vance then casting the tie-breaking vote.

The Senate, in an extremely narrow vote, confirmed Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump's embattled pick to serve as secretary of defense.

The new defense secretary’s goals run counter to the military’s apolitical tradition and efforts to build a force that mirrors America.

“Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest,” a spokesperson for the agency said in a statement. “The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement, and instead trusts them to use common sense.”

Vice President JD Vance on Saturday swore Pete Hegseth, a former Army National Guard officer, into office as the 29th secretary of defense, DOD News reported Monday. Hegseth received Senate confirmation on Friday evening. During his Jan. 14 confirmation hearing, Hegseth cited the need to reinstate the warrior culture within the Pentagon.

There will be a lot on the plate for new Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth when he steps into his office on the Pentagon’s third floor E Ring.

He’s already issued one executive order that’s been blocked in federal court for being “blatantly unconstitutional.” Trump will continue moving at this pace until there’s any indication that it comes at a price.