Pete Hegseth, who has been dogged by misconduct allegations and scrutinized over his lack of qualifications, has been confirmed as defense secretary by a 51-50 vote in the Senate.

He has denied the accusations, dismissing them as part of a smear campaign in testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee. On Tuesday, an ex-sister-in-law of Mr. Hegseth submitted a sworn statement to senators accusing him of being “abusive” toward his second wife.

Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump's choice to be defense secretary, gives a thumbs-up at the completion of his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee at the Capitol on Jan.

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a dramatic late-night session, the Senate is voting on the nomination of Pete Hegseth as defense secretary who vows to bring a “warrior culture” to the Pentagon despite questions over qualifications and allegations of heavy drinking and aggressive behavior toward women.

Pete Hegseth needed the vice president's vote to break a Senate tie for his confirmation as Defense secretary. Kelly and Gallego of Arizona voted no.

Hegseth, 44, is a combat veteran and former Fox News host. The committee voted along party lines to advance his nomination to the full Senate.

Donald Trump's pick for Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, is facing stiff criticism from Democrats—but most Republicans back him.