On 1/25/2025, Hegseth spoke out after he was sworn in. He thanked God first, his wife, and then the President and Vice President for this opportunity to serve. Hegseth also noted that his children, who were watching from the Senate gallery, described the victory as an “overtime” win, noting, “That’s the perspective I like.”

Hegseth: All praise and glory to God, His will be done, and we’re grateful to be here. And as I said in my hearing, it was Jesus and Jenny. I would not be here without you, sweetheart. Thank you so much.

I want to thank the President United States, our Commander in Chief, Donald Trump. We could not have a better Commander in Chief than him. It is the honor of a lifetime, sir, to serve under you. We look forward to having the backs of our troops and having your back in executing peace through strength, in putting America first, and in rebuilding our military.

Mr. Vice President, thank you for breaking the tie. It’s not the last time or not the first time, the headline reads, “Junior enlisted Marine bails out Junior Army officer.” And you know, some people were saying, well, 50-50, that’s too tight. And Senator Mark Wayne Mullen was nice enough to take my kids up to the gallery to watch the actual moment that the Vice President sealed the deal. And they came running in. They said, Dad, instead of being sad about 51 to 50, they said, “Dad, you won in overtime!” That’s the perspective I like, so thank you.

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Hegseth: Junior enlisted Marine bails out Junior Army officer, Dad you won in overtime!