The Senate confirmed South Dakota governor Kristi Noem yesterday as Secretary of Homeland Security by a 59-34 vote. She will oversee border security, immigration, emergency response, and other duties.
The Senate also confirmed Pete Hegseth as the nation’s Secretary of Defense late Friday after Vice President JD Vance cast the deciding vote to break a 50-50 tie.
Hegseth had a distinguished military career with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has degrees from Harvard and Princeton and worked in veterans’ advocacy before becoming a Fox News host.
Former GOP leader Mitch McConnell and Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski voted against the nomination, along with all Senate Democrats.