The nomination of Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense has hit a minor roadblock after two Republican senators, Susan Collins (R-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), announced their opposition to his confirmation. Their defection has left Hegseth’s nomination hanging in the balance, forcing the GOP to scramble for votes in a closely divided Senate.
Hegseth’s nomination to head the Defense Department passed a key Senate procedural vote on Thursday, moving it closer to a final decision. Known for his military service and vocal advocacy for veterans, Hegseth has encountered resistance from some within his own party.
The Senate voted 51-49 to invoke cloture, which allows for up to 30 hours of debate before the final vote, signaling a looming high-stakes showdown. Sen. Murkowski, in a lengthy statement posted on social media, revealed she will not vote for Trump’s nominee.
With 53 Republicans and 47 Democrat-voting members in the Senate, Hegseth can afford to lose up to three Republican votes, assuming all Democrats oppose his nomination.
Murkowski acknowledged his contributions to veterans but questioned his experience in managing such a vast institution. “Managing the Department of Defense requires vast experience and expertise,” She wrote on X. “Mr. Hegseth’s prior roles in his career do not demonstrate to me that he is prepared for such immense responsibility.”
“The leader of the Department of Defense must demonstrate and model the standards of behavior and character we expect of all servicemembers, and Mr. Hegseth’s nomination to the role poses significant concerns that I cannot overlook.” Murkowski finished, “Given the global security environment we’re operating in, it is critical that we confirm a Secretary of Defense, however, I regret that I am unable to support Mr. Hegseth.”
Senator Collins further complicated matters for the GOP by voting against cloture, effectively stalling the confirmation process. “After careful consideration, I have decided to vote against Pete Hegseth’s nomination for Secretary of Defense,” she wrote in a statement.
“While I appreciate his courageous military service and his ongoing commitment to our servicemembers and their families, I am concerned that he does not have the experience and perspective necessary to succeed in the job.” She added, “While I understand his points on the importance of up-to-date and workable rules of engagement, our prohibitions against torture come from American laws and treaties ratified by the United States, including the Geneva Conventions.”
With Collins and Murkowski breaking ranks, the Republican majority has now been reduced to 51 votes, leaving the party with little room for error. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) notably voted to advance Hegseth’s nomination.
If another Republican senator defects, Vice President JD Vance would be required to cast the deciding vote to confirm Hegseth. Despite these setbacks, the White House remains optimistic, with officials maintaining confidence that Hegseth will ultimately be confirmed.
Hegseth, a former Army National Guard officer, and Fox News contributor has been a vocal critic of what he calls the military’s “woke” policies and has called for the restoration of traditional values within the armed forces.
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