In an interview with Megyn Kelly on her SiriusXM show in December, Pete Hegseth—an Army veteran and former Fox News host—referred to “General Order Number 1,” which prohibits military personnel from consuming alcohol during deployment.
“That’s how I view this role as Secretary of Defence,” Hegseth said. “I’m not going to have a drink, at all. And it’s not hard for me because it’s not a problem for me.”
He added that it is important for senators, US troops, President Trump, and others to know that “when you call me 24/7, you’re getting fully dialled-in Pete, just like you always did in Iraq and Afghanistan.”
Hegseth’s confirmation was historic, but for its contentious nature. The Senate confirmed him by the narrowest margin ever for the role, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. The final count was 51 to 50, with three Republican senators—Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky—joining all Democrats in opposition. The vote reflected sharp divisions over Hegseth’s qualifications and personal conduct.
The nomination process was fraught with controversy. Allegations of sexual misconduct, fiscal mismanagement of veterans’ nonprofits, and abusive behaviour emerged during Senate hearings. In sworn testimony, Hegseth’s former sister-in-law accused him of frequent intoxication and abusive behaviour towards his second wife. Hegseth denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated.
During private discussions with senators, Hegseth made a firm commitment to abstain from alcohol while serving in the role, a pledge confirmed by several lawmakers. Senator Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, who lost a son to alcohol addiction, said Hegseth assured him he would remain clear-headed at all times. “My commitment is to not touch alcohol while I have this position,” Hegseth reportedly said.
Despite these assurances, scepticism lingers. Critics, including Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island, have vowed to hold Hegseth accountable, citing his history of personal controversies. Reed stressed the importance of upholding high standards for the Secretary of Defence, a position that oversees 1.3 million active-duty personnel and a budget nearing $850 billion.
Hegseth has framed himself as a reformer aiming to reshape the Pentagon’s priorities. He has criticised “woke” policies and promised to focus on strengthening combat readiness. His supporters, including Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi, lauded his commitment to modernising the military and advancing President Trump’s “peace through strength” agenda.
The confirmation process drew parallels to previous controversial nominations. John Tower, a defence secretary nominee under President George H.W. Bush, was rejected in 1989 amid allegations of alcohol abuse. Hegseth’s confirmation, despite similar concerns, underscores the deeply polarised nature of the current Senate.
Hegseth’s ability to fulfil his pledge of sobriety and manage the immense responsibilities of his new role will be closely scrutinised. The allegations and controversies that defined his confirmation have set a high bar for accountability, leaving little room for error. As Secretary of Defence, his performance will significantly influence perceptions of his leadership and the administration’s broader objectives.