The Senate on Thursday voted to confirm defense hardliner Mike Pompeo as secretary of state to replace Rex Tillerson, who vacated the position after a stream of criticism from President Trump.

A majority of Senate Democrats voted against Pompeo, arguing that his hawkish policy positions and controversial past statements about minorities made him a lousy choice to serve as America’s top diplomat.

Republicans argued that Trump’s fondness for the former CIA chief would help Pompeo keep Trump’s potentially reckless impulses in check.

The timing of his confirmation will let Pompeo join a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels on Friday.