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(Washington D.C.) – Less than a week in office, President Donald Trump is already getting some major wins with his cabinet picks. The most contentious pick faced a late night tie-breaker vote, and was ultimately confirmed. It started Friday night, former Fox News host Pete Hegseth was a topic of debate for weeks leading up to his confirmation. Hegseth was accused of sexual misconduct, excessive drinking on the job and financial mismanagement of a veteran’s charity. He was also named as Trump’s pick to lead the Pentagon as Secretary of Defense. Three Republican Senators voted against his confirmation. The opponents were Lisa Murkowksi of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, and former Senate leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. Vice President JD Vance sent the nomination through, marking only the second time in history that the vice president has had to be the tie breaker on a cabinet nomination. The first time was during Trump’s first term when then-Vice President Pence confirmed Betsy DeVos as the Secretary of Education.
Shortly after Hegseth’s confirmation – the Senate also approved Kristi Noem as Head of Homeland Security. The former South Dakota governor resigned from her position with Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden taking over as the top state executive. Noem says she will reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy barring any asylum seekers from entering the states before court hearings. She will be in charge of over 260,000 federal workers.
