Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump’s decide to guide the Pentagon, cleared a key procedural hurdle within the Senate on Thursday to advance his nomination.
The vote on ending debate got here right down to the wire, although Hegseth in the end secured 51 Republican votes to maneuver ahead.
A closing affirmation vote on Hegseth may now happen as quickly as Friday or early Saturday.
Two GOP senators voted in opposition to him: Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins.
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s option to be Protection secretary, seems earlier than the Senate Armed Companies Committee for his affirmation listening to, on the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 14, 2025.
Jacquelyn Martin/AP
Murkowski introduced her opposition moments earlier than the showdown.
“After thorough analysis, I need to conclude that I can’t in good conscience assist his nomination for Secretary of Protection,” Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski mentioned in a publish on X. “I didn’t make this determination flippantly; I take my constitutional accountability to offer recommendation and consent with the utmost seriousness.”
Murkowski mentioned she was not assured Hegseth was sufficiently ready to guide the Pentagon, which is the most important authorities company, and took challenge together with his previous statements regarding girls within the army.
The Alaska Republican additionally referenced allegations of sexual misconduct and extreme consuming. Hegseth has largely denied the accusations in opposition to him, and instructed lawmakers he is a “modified man.”
“The previous behaviors Mr. Hegseth has admitted to, together with infidelity on a number of events, reveal an absence of judgment that’s unbecoming of somebody who would lead our armed forces,” she mentioned. “These behaviors starkly distinction the values and self-discipline anticipated of servicemembers.”
Sen. Lisa Murkowski heads to the Senate Chamber to vote on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Safety Act, Jan. 22, 2025 in Washington.
Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Photographs
Collins, in her personal assertion, additionally expressed issues about Hegseth’s view on girls within the army.
“After cautious consideration, I’ve determined to vote in opposition to Pete Hegseth’s nomination for Secretary of Protection,” she mentioned. “Whereas I recognize his brave army service and his ongoing dedication to our servicemembers and their households, I’m involved that he doesn’t have the expertise and perspective essential to reach the job.”
In a ground speech on Thursday, Senate Armed Companies Committee Chairman Roger Wicker gave an endorsement of Hegseth, calling him the “proper man for the job.”
The committee earlier this week narrowly superior Hegseth’s nomination in a 14-13 vote alongside occasion traces.
Senate Minority Chief Chuck Schumer, nevertheless, slammed Hegseth’s nomination in a ground speech forward of the vote.
Schumer, pointing to the allegations in opposition to Hegseth, requested his colleagues if he is “the man you need on the different finish of the cellphone at 2 a.m. in a disaster.”
“Is that this one of the best man we now have to guide the best army on the planet?” the Democrat mentioned.
The vote on ending debate on Hegseth occurred after lawmakers voted 74-25 to approve the nomination of John Ratcliffe for CIA director. Ratcliffe is Trump’s second confirmed Cupboard official.
