The Senate narrowly advanced the nomination of Pete Hegseth as President Donald Trump’s defense secretary on Thursday in a 51-49 vote, moving him one step closer to confirmation despite fierce objections from Senate Democrats and mounting unease among some Republicans.
The procedural vote saw two Republican senators, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, breaking ranks with their party to oppose Hegseth’s nomination. Both cited serious concerns over his past behavior and qualifications to lead the U.S. Department of Defense. A final confirmation vote is scheduled for Friday.
READ: Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst Endorses Hegseth For Defense Secretary
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer urged his colleagues to reflect on the nomination, stating, “Is this the best man we have to lead the greatest military in the world?”
Sen. Murkowski, in a detailed statement, underscored her concerns, emphasizing that Hegseth’s personal history and public comments were inconsistent with the values of the military.
“I remain concerned about the message that confirming Mr. Hegseth sends to women currently serving and those aspiring to join,” Murkowski said.
READ: Lifelong Democrat Says She Is Dumping Party After ‘Awful’ Performances During Hegseth Hearing
She further criticized his past indiscretions, including admitted infidelity, stating, “These behaviors starkly contrast the values and discipline expected of service members. Above all, I believe that character is the defining trait required of the Secretary of Defense and must be prioritized without compromise.”
Senate Armed Services Chair Roger Wicker said Wednesday night that reports “regarding a confidential briefing on the FBI background investigation of Pete Hegseth that I received last week are starkly and factually inaccurate” and that he was backing Hegseth’s nomination.
Hegseth’s confirmation hearing earlier this month was marked by heated exchanges, with lawmakers grilling Hegseth on his qualifications, past personal conduct, and policy positions. Democrats raised concerns about his lack of experience in high-level defense management and his close ties to conservative media.
READ: Op-Ed: Pete Hegseth Will Be Confirmed
If confirmed, Hegseth would take over the Pentagon amid rising global tensions, ongoing conflicts, and the administration’s renewed focus on military expansion and border security initiatives.
With the final vote looming, all eyes are on Senate moderates who could potentially tip the balance. Hegseth’s confirmation would mark one of the most contentious Cabinet appointments in Trump’s second term and set the tone for future defense policies under the administration.
Should Hegseth be confirmed, his leadership will likely face continued scrutiny from lawmakers and military leaders alike as he seeks to implement the president’s defense agenda while addressing internal concerns about his fitness for the role.
The final confirmation vote is expected Friday, with a razor-thin margin anticipated.
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