AP Images Pete HegsethWhether qualified or otherwise, Pete Hegseth is the next U.S. defense secretary. Vance’s tie-breaking vote but no thanks to three Republicans with an impressively atrocious voting record. All the Democrats voted against Hegseth’s confirmation, despite efforts to bring some to his side. McConnell, who refuses to retire despite his obvious health decline, said Hegseth has not demonstrated a sufficient understanding of national security challenges to handle the job of defense secretary. She’s voted to dole out American money to other countries and reauthorize permission for America’s spy agencies to spy on Americans without warrants.