On the Senate floor, the majority leader said the ‘illegitimate targeting of a key U.S. ally should concern all of us,’ and warned the ICC could target American soldiers next

Senate Republicans are steamrolling ahead on Pete Hegseth’s nomination to lead the Pentagon, and a new report detailing allegations of abusive behavior by the nominee have seemingly not dissuaded

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as the nation's defense secretary late Friday in a dramatic tie-breaking vote, swatting back questions about his qualifications to lead the Pentagon amid allegations of heavy drinking and aggressive behavior toward women.

Many Republicans on Capitol Hill do not agree with President Donald Trump’s decision to pardon and commute sentences for more than 1,500 people charged with crimes related to the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.

The tactics are reminiscent of the ones taken the first time Trump entered the White House. At the time, Democrats homed in on eight nominees they would delay, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) warning against a “rushed” process.

A cloud of controversy has hung over Hegseth, but he now appears to be on track to be confirmed as Trump's defense secretary.

Hours after Trump was sworn in as president, senators confirmed his first Cabinet pick and advanced the nominations of several others through committee.

The Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as the nation’s Defense secretary in a late-night vote that required a tiebreaking vote by Vice President JD Vance.

The aggressive posture, inspired by Trump, meant going after not only Democrats, the media and Hegseth’s accusers — but also their own party.

Senate Majority Leader Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., told a CNN reporter Monday he believes President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has a path to the 50 required votes for Senate confirmation.

Pete Hegseth has vowed to bring his “warrior” ethos to the Pentagon. Democrats had assailed him as unfit for the job, and his confirmation came down to Vice President JD Vance serving as tiebreaker.

“Mr. Hegseth will concentrate on restoring American strength and repairing the deficiencies in our readiness,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune ... Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman ...