Senate confirms Hegseth and Noem

But McConnell's vote against Hegseth may not augur well for other controversial nominees

Yesterday, the Senate confirmed Kristi Noem as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. The vote was 59-34.

Seven Democrats voted to confirm. They are John Fetterman (Pennsylvania), Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen (New Hampshire), Tim Kaine (Virginia), Andy Kim (New Jersey), and Gary Peters and Elisa Slotkin (Michigan).

No Republican voted against her nomination.

For Pete Hegseth, it was a much closer call. Senators divided 50-50 on him. JD Vance had to break the tie.

Three Republicans voted against Hegseth’s nomination. They are Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Mitch McConnell.

Although McConnell’s vote had no significance for Hegseth, it might have important implications for other nominees. By voting “no,” the former Majority Leader confirmed that he is no longer an ally of President Trump, a man he seems strongly to dislike.