Senator Lisa Murkowski (R., Alaska) has now reportedly expressed her opposition to the confirmation of President Trump’s nominee for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, introducing additional tension into what was anticipated to be a closely contested vote on Friday.
In a statement on Thursday, Murkowski expressed that Hegseth’s “nomination to the position raises substantial concerns that I cannot disregard,” highlighting apprehensions regarding his character, his inexperience in managing large organizations, and his previous opposition to women serving in combat roles in the military.
Murkowski is the sole Republican to express opposition to the nomination, while others remain undecided.
The Senate, under Republican control with a 53-47 majority, will conduct a new procedural vote on Thursday to advance Hegseth’s nomination, with the final vote scheduled for Friday. If Democrats consolidate their opposition against Hegseth, he cannot sustain more than three dissenting votes from Republicans.
The narrow anticipated margin contrasts with the overwhelming confirmation vote for Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Inauguration Day.
John Ratcliffe, nominated for the Central Intelligence Agency, was confirmed with a decisive 74-25 vote on Thursday.
Hegseth’s candidacy has been contentious since Trump designated him as the defense secretary candidate last year; nevertheless, it appeared to garner momentum following Hegseth’s talks with GOP senators and a pressure campaign initiated by Trump loyalists.
During a stormy confirmation hearing last week, Hegseth acknowledged his imperfections but characterized inquiries over his character and qualifications as an anonymous “smear campaign” extraneous to the role of overseeing the U.S. military.
Hegseth informed lawmakers that he will refrain from alcohol use while serving as Pentagon commander.
However, claims that emerged this week in a written affidavit from Hegseth’s former sister-in-law, Danielle Hegseth, regarding alcohol misuse and unpredictable conduct by Hegseth have reignited doubts concerning the nomination.
The declaration, produced under the threat of perjury and delivered in response to a request from Democratic Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island, pertains to events and discussions she claims occurred approximately a decade ago, during her marriage to Nathaniel, Pete Hegseth’s brother.
She asserted that Pete Hegseth frequently misused alcohol, resulting in his loss of consciousness at family gatherings and holiday celebrations.
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