The United States Senate voted to confirm President Donald Trump’s pick, Pete Hegseth, as Defense Secretary on Friday night.
The development comes after a high-tempered battle to sway lawmakers in his favor that was almost derailed by accusations about his behavior.
Fox News reports that the final vote came down to the wire, with three Republicans opposed to his confirmation, making for a 50 to 50 vote.
Vice President JD Vance was needed to break the tie in the upper chamber, putting the final tally at 51-50.
“Congratulations to Pete Hegseth. He will make a great Secretary of Defense!” Trump wrote on Truth Social after Hegseth’s confirmation.
The Senate’s two moderate Republican women: Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Susan Collins, R-Maine, voted against Hegseth’s confirmation. As did Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., the former GOP leader.