The claim that Pete Hegseth is the United States Defense Secretary is accurate.
Reasoning:
- Pete Hegseth was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump on November 12, 2024, to serve as Secretary of Defense for Trump's second term.
- The Senate held a confirmation hearing on January 14, 2025, and the Senate Armed Services Committee reported his nomination favorably.
- Hegseth was confirmed by the Senate on January 24, 2025, in a narrow 51-50 vote, with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the tie-breaking vote.
- He has been serving as Secretary of Defense since his confirmation and has already implemented several significant policy changes within the Department of Defense.
Overall validity: 100%