Pete Hegseth has been confirmed as Secretary of State, but the process was marked by drama within the Republican Party. Former Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky faced backlash after voting ‘yes’ to advance Hegseth’s nomination to the Senate floor, only to vote ‘no’ on final confirmation. Republicans on X (formerly Twitter) expressed outrage, sharing photos and videos of McConnell walking over to the Democrat side of the aisle after his vote.
“Mitch McConnell immediately walked over and celebrated with the Democrats after voting against Hegseth. This man HAS TO GO,” conservative commentator Nick Sortor said. Others called for McConnell to be censured, removed from committees, or primaried, accusing him of betraying Trump’s agenda.
McConnell wasn’t alone in facing criticism. Republican Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska also voted ‘no,’ creating a 50-50 tie that Vice President JD Vance had to break, marking only the second tie-breaking vote in U.S. history for a Cabinet confirmation. Many conservatives demanded Collins and Murkowski be replaced, accusing them of undermining Republican priorities.
Meanwhile, Trump brushed off the controversy, expressing confidence in Hegseth. “I’m honored to have Pete. I think he’s going to be a great Secretary of State,” Trump told reporters while traveling, adding, “Winning is what matters, right?” Despite the internal division, Hegseth’s confirmation represents another victory for Trump’s administration.
