USA US Vice President Vance swears in Hegseth and rejects criticism
US Vice President J.D. Vance defended the new Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth against criticism at his swearing-in ceremony. "All people in the armed forces should trust him because he cares about them and will fight for them," said the Republican when asked by a female journalist why women in the US military should trust Hegseth. The question was actually directed at the Secretary of Defense, who had just been sworn in by Vance - but the US Vice President responded. Vance went on to say that Hegseth would ensure "that we have a military that we can all be proud of".
25.01.2025, 18:20
SDA
Minister without political experience
Hegseth is best known in the USA for his time at the Trump-friendly Fox News channel. He was one of the most controversial candidates nominated by Trump for his cabinet. Apart from an unsuccessful bid for a seat in the US Senate for Minnesota, the journalist has no previous political experience. After his nomination, reports of alleged racist and sexist remarks by Hegseth, alcohol abuse and sexual assault also caused a stir. Hegseth firmly rejects the allegations.
When he was confirmed in the US Senate, there were also reservations in his own ranks. In the end, the necessary majority in the Senate required the vote of Vice President Vance, who broke a deadlock. Hegseth joked about this after his swearing-in and said with regard to his critics: "We defied you." He emphasized that the USA did not want to wage wars. But if necessary, the enemy would be destroyed "with overwhelming force". "We will put America first, we will bring peace through strength."
