McConnell joined Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, moderates from Maine and Alaska respectively, in creating what would have been a tie had Vice President JD Vance not broken it, in his first such vote as President of the Senate.

Readers criticize the vote on the defense secretary nomination. Also: President Trump and tariffs; silencing health officials; firing of inspectors general; longevity.

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott stood by President Trump’s embattled Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth in a nail biter Friday night on the Senate floor.

Senators voted 51-49 to advance Hegseth's defense secretary bid, which has been mired in several controversies. Two Republicans oppose him.

Three Republicans voted with every Democrat against Trump’s controversial pick to lead the Pentagon, forcing Vance to step in and put Hegseth over the top.

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

After being sworn-in by Vice President JD Vance, the Pentagon’s new leader addressed the Defense Department’s three million employees.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) is getting to enjoy his honeymoon phase for a little while longer. Anti-establishment conservatives who fought his rise to leader remain satisfied with Thune’s

center, and Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., the ranking member, right, during the Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing for Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to be Defense ...

Now even a few of Trump’s Republican congressional allies are “stunned and disgusted” over his second-term Cabinet picks, with RFK Jr., and Pete Hegseth ... Who: Scott Bessent, 62, is ...

Pete Hegseth has lived in the public eye for years. As a well-known television personality and political commentator, he has drawn significant interest in his personal life. In late 2024 ...

Pete Hegseth is accustomed to life in the public eye, but lately, he has faced criticism over his past. In late 2024, The New York Times published an old email from Hegseth’s mother, Penelope ...