Speaking with reporters outside the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia on Monday, the newly sworn-in secretary revealed there will be a 'shift' at the DoD from the previous four years. He also detailed how taking control of operations at the southern border will be a priority for the Trump administration. Hegseth said of his leadership and priorities as Defense Secretary: 'This is a shift. This is not the way business has been done in the past.
The year-old former Fox News host faced an uphill battle to get to the new post. He barely squeaked by after Republicans Senators Mitch McConnell, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski voted against his confirmation — leaving the full vote at a tie. Vice President J. Vance , who had just vacated his seat in the Senate to take up an office in the Executive Office Building, returned to Capitol Hill last week to cast the tie-breaking vote that ultimately sent the nomination through.
Democrats launched a smear campaign against Hegseth, claiming not only that he was too young and unqualified for the position, but that he also did not morally deserve the job. Multiple media reports came out with sexual assault allegations against Hegseth, as well as claims he drank too much while helping run veterans organizations following his military service. Immediately upon taking his oath-of-office, Hegseth is faced with some steep tasks as the new Pentagon chief. Trump signed several executive orders last week, including giving the DoD full operational control at the southern border in order to enhance national security, ramp up deportations and shut down the flow of illegal immigration.
Because we are reorienting,' Hegseth told reporters on Monday. He said that reservists, National Guard and active duty troops would all be tapped to the effort. Hegseth told reporters that there is now a 'shift' in how the Defense Department will operate. Trump's pick to lead the Pentagon was controversial among lawmakers and the liberal public.
The year-old former Fox host squeaked through his nomination with a tie-breaking vote from Vice President J. Vance pictured at the Capitol last week after three Republican senators voted against his confirmation.
