Trump's pick Pete Hegseth confirmed as Pentagon chief, despite allegations of heavy drinking and domestic abuse

Pete Hegseth has narrowly earned enough votes to become the next US Secretary of Defense.

Three Republican senators -- Susan Collins, Mitch McConnell and Lisa Murkowski -- voted against Hegseth, resulting in a 50-50 tie. 

It meant that Vice President JD Vance was required to came to the chamber to break the tie, as he confirmed former Fox News personality Hegseth for the job, despite allegations against the latter of alcohol abuse and sexual misconduct.

Just before Vance cast his vote, President Donald Trump spoke highly of his nominee Hegseth, saying: "We have a great secretary of defense and we're very happy."

Trump, speaking as he boarded Air Force One following a trip to New Orleans and California, added that he did not care how McConnell had voted as the "important thing is winning."

Hegseth has faced allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman at a Republican conference in California, though he has denied the claims and said the encounter was consensual. He later paid $50,000 (€47,602) to the woman.

More recently, his former sister-in-law said in an affidavit that Hegseth was abusive to his second wife to the point that she feared for her safety.

Hegseth has denied the allegation, and in divorce proceedings, neither Hegseth nor the woman claimed to be a victim of domestic abuse.

Hegseth's previous comments that women should have no role in military combat also drew particular concern on Capitol Hill, including from lawmakers who themselves served.

However, Hegseth has since tempered those views as he met with senators during the confirmation process.