Pat Hegseth Two GOP senators have lost their support before a final confirmation vote.
Trump’s pick to lead the Defense Department still seems to have a majority of senators in his corner. however, Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, Or Susan Collins, R-Maine voted with Democrats against a motion to object to Hegseth’s nomination. The motion passed 51-49 on Thursday with support from the rest of the GOP caucus.
“I cannot in good conscience support that [Hegseth’s] nomination for secretary of defense,” Murkowski explained Thursday. Post to X, saying that Hegseth’s “accomplishments do not address my significant concerns regarding his nomination.”
Citing concerns about both “sexual abuse and allegations of excessive drinking,” Murkowski said Hegseth “demonstrated a lack of judgment that is indispensable for someone who would lead our armed forces.” ” Hegseth has been dogged by allegations since his nomination was announced. Earlier this week, senators received an affidavit from Hegseth’s ex-sister-in-law claiming that Hegseth’s ex-wife sometimes feared for her safety during their marriage.
“I believe that the role of Secretary of Defense requires a distinctive characteristic, and should be prioritized without compromise,” Murkowski wrote. “The leader of the Department of Defense must demonstrate and model the standards of conduct and character that we expect of all service members, and Mr. Hegseth’s nomination for this role raises significant concerns that I cannot ignore. Can’t.”
In a statement explaining his no-vote, Collins highlighted Hegseth’s lack of experience and understanding of the Department of Defense.
“I am concerned that he does not have the necessary experience and perspective to succeed in the job,” Collins said. statement.
Both senators pointed to Hegseth’s previous statements about women in the military. Hegseth has a long history of claiming that women don’t belong in combat roles in the military and said so directly as recently as November. Murkowski questioned whether the about-face after her nomination was genuine, saying that women in the military “deserve to know that their leader respects and values their commitment to our nation.” Collins said she was “not convinced that her stance on women in combat roles has changed.”
The votes of Senators Collins and Murkowski alone are not enough to prevent Hegseth’s confirmation, though they represent a major backlash against Trump’s most radical choice by centrists in his party. Hegseth’s confirmation comes up for a final vote on Friday.
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