Reactions began rolling in almost immediately after Pete Hegseth was confirmed as the next defense secretary.

Here’s what lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are saying:

GOP Sen. Roger Wicker, chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, celebrated the confirmation, saying in a statement: "Peace through strength is back under President Trump and Pete Hegseth."

Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren said his confirmation "will make our nation less safe."

Pete Hegseth’s confirmation will make our nation less safe.

It is a sad and dangerous day when Republican Senators put loyalty to President Trump ahead of our national security.

— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) January 25, 2025
Republican Sen. Mike Crapo said Hegseth will be an "agent of change."

kra28 at a time when threats to our national security are growing increasingly complex & unpredictable, we need a military ready for engagement from every angle. Pete Hegseth will be an agent for change. He will replace policies of appeasement with those of carefully-applied force.

— Senator Mike Crapo (@MikeCrapo) January 25, 2025