A defining duo of the first Donald Trump administration is back.

The Senate voted largely along party lines Thursday to advance Pete Hegseth, President Trump’s nominee to serve as secretary of Defense, brushing aside a litany of misconduct allegations and the objections of Democrats who argued he is unqualified for the job.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski announced Thursday that she will vote against confirming Pete Hegseth to lead Pentagon, becoming the first Republican to oppose one of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks. The Alaska Republican’s decision comes ahead of a crucial test vote to advance Hegseth’s nomination toward confirmation.

Republicans say they are confident that Hegseth, who has been accused of alcohol and domestic abuse, will ultimately be confirmed to lead the Pentagon.

The Senate on Friday evening narrowly confirmed Pete Hegseth as the new secretary of defense. Hegseth’s nomination to lead the Pentagon was approved

Donald Trump's pick for Defense Secretary, faced stiff criticism from Democrats and some Republicans—requiring a tie-breaking vote from JD Vance.

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.

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.

WASHINGTON – Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell was one of three Republicans voting against the confirmation of Pete Hegseth on Friday to be secretary of Defense, though his appointment was approved by the narrowest of margins.

Former Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.), who stepped down from the leadership at the end of last year, cast a surprise vote Friday night against Pete Hegseth, President Trump’s controversial nominee to head the Department of Defense.

Pete Hegseth was sworn in to lead the Department of Defense on Saturday, after a narrow vote in the Senate. The vote on Friday night was initially 50-50, with Vice President JD Vance then casting the tie-breaking vote.

Vice President J.D. Vance cast the tie-breaking vote after Sens. McConnell, Murkowski and Collins voted against the Fox News host’s confirmation