U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's first trip since taking office will be to the United States' border with Mexico on Monday, in the latest sign that fortifying the border will be a priority for the Pentagon under President Donald Trump.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will visit Fort Bliss and the southern border on Monday, Feb. 3, Fort Bliss announced. Hegseth will visit Joint Task Force North, which is headquartered at Fort Bliss.

Republican Sen. Susan Collins voted Thursday against advancing President Donald Trump's choice for defense secretary, who has faced allegations of heavy drinking, financial mismanagement and abusive behavior toward women.

Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) cited rising global threats as a reason for voting against confirming Pete Hegseth as defense secretary. Republican Sens. Susan Collins (Maine), Mitch McConnell (Kentucky) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) joined all Democrats in opposition.