Hegseth Takes Charge of Trump’s DOD

Despite Democrat misguided complaints, President Trump’s pick to head the Department of Defense, Pete Hegseth, has been sworn in as the new Secretary of Defense. As he begins his term, he will face a daunting array of issues to tackle — from global conflicts and border security debacles left by Joe Biden to administrative tasks.

At the top of his list is addressing Trump’s priority to strengthen the U.S. military presence along the southern border and reviewing whether active-duty forces should be used for law enforcement — something done rarely.

Hegseth, a former Fox News host, was sworn in by Vice President JD Vance, who officiated the ceremony.

“It is the privilege of a lifetime to lead the warriors of the Department of Defense under the leadership of our Commander in Chief Donald J. Trump. We will put America First, and we will never back down,” Hegseth said in an official memo after being sworn in. 

Hegseth comes in facing dozens of issues that will be vying for his attention, including developing the Pentagon’s massive budget, decisions about aid to Ukraine, support for the ceasefire in Gaza, and troop deployments in the Middle East. Not to mention Trump’s directives to rid the federal government of diversity programs and personnel, as well as moves to cut waste and remove any lingering Biden administration backers.

In a message to the force shortly after he was sworn in, Hegseth cited the challenges he sees ahead. Some are ones his predecessors also faced, such as reorienting the military from decades of a Mideast focus and better deterring China.

“Congratulations to Pete Hegseth. He will make a great Secretary of Defense!” President Trump wrote on Truth Social Friday night.

Also over the weekend, South Dakota governor Kristi Noem was confirmed as the United States’ new Secretary of Homeland Security Saturday by a vote of 59 to 34 in the Senate.

The confirmation was considerably less dramatic than Friday’s 51-50 vote to confirm Hegseth as defense secretary, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. 

Seven Democrats also voted to confirm Noam: Sens. John Fetterman (D-PA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).