US Senate Majority Leader John Thune highlighted the critical importance of confirming Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defence and Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security, citing their vital roles in national and border security,

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) put the procedural wheels in motion to confirm embattled secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth by the end of the week. Senate Republicans are moving ahead quickly on Hegseth’s nomination despite an affidavit from his former sister-in-law obtained by Senate Democrats that accuses him of having an alcohol problem

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.

Republicans pushed forward with Pete Hegseth’s nomination as secretary of defense on Wednesday even after a damaging report emerged claiming that his second wife lived in fear of his “abuse.” Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he plans to get the full Senate to hold a final confirmation vote on Hegseth before the end of the week.

Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth narrowly earned enough Republican support to clear a key Senate hurdle and is now all but assured confirmation.

The vote came amid concerns about his qualifications to lead the Pentagon amid allegations of heavy drinking and abusive behavior toward women.

The former Fox News host faced allegations about sexual assault and excessive drinking, which he called smears.

Lawmakers voted 51-50 to make Hegseth the civilian leader of America’s armed forces, forcing Vice President JD Vance to break the tie.

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.

Vice President J.D. Vance cast his first tie-breaking vote on Friday night to help the Senate confirm Pete Hegseth as defense secretary, as the nominee convinced just enough Republicans that attacks on his character and qualifications were unfounded.

Donald Trump will huddle with House Republicans at a GOP retreat on Monday. Keep up with live updates from the USA TODAY Network.