North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis told Pete Hegseth’s former sister-in-law that a sworn statement about his alleged alcohol abuse and abuse of his second wife could convince senators—himself included—to oppose Hegseth’s confirmation as secretary of defense,

The North Carolina senator provided pivotal 50th ‘yes’ vote to confirm Hegseth as defense secretary.

As the dust settles on the fight over Pete Hegseth's nomination, his confirmation is emblematic of a larger truth about the state of Republican politics.

The Senate narrowly voted to confirm embattled Pete Hegseth as secretary of the Department of Defense, in a major win for President Donald Trump and his new administration.

- Tiebreak. Despite allegations of sexual assault, paying off an accuser, and drinking to incapacitation on the job, Pete Hegseth was confirmed as President Donald Trump's secretary of defense late Friday.

After a few GOP senators, including McConnell, voted against Hegseth for defense secretary, the Senate narrowly voted to confirm him.

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

Sen. Thom Tillis reportedly told Danielle Hegseth her sworn statement could convince him to oppose the nomination.

Donald Trump is huddling with House Republicans at a GOP retreat on Monday. Keep up with live updates from the USA TODAY Network.

Trump pardoned Proud Boys, Oath Keepers, and multiple people who beat, tasered, and choked Capitol Police Officers that day, leading even the Fraternal Order of Police—a staunchly pro-Trump union—to condemn his decision. At least a handful of Republicans, too, were shocked by his decision.

Pete Hegseth was narrowly confirmed as defense secretary amid swirling questions about his competence and character, and despite GOP Senators Murkowski and Collins standing up and opposing him.