Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Susan Collins (R-ME) Thursday announced they will not support Pete Hegseth’s nomination for Defense Secretary on Thursday, the only two Republican senators to publicly oppose his nomination, setting up a pathway to his confirmation on Friday.
“I believe that character is the defining trait required of the Secretary of Defense, and must be prioritized without compromise,” Murkowski said in a statement posted on X ahead of Hegseth’s first test vote on Thursday afternoon.
Murkowski continued, “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.”
The Alaska senator, who has been a critical swing vote in the past, noted in her statement allegations of financial mismanagement of two veterans organizations, sexual assault stemming from a 2017 incident that he says was consensual, excessive drinking, and concerns over his lack of qualifications to lead the Pentagon.
Murkowski announces she will vote no on Hegseth officially. https://t.co/SqKIL8lKEN
— Samantha-Jo Roth (@SamanthaJoRoth) January 23, 2025
“Managing the Department of Defense requires vast experience and expertise as the department is one of the most complex and powerful organizations in the world, and Mr. Hegseth’s prior roles in his career do not demonstrate to me that he is prepared for such immense responsibility,” Murkowski writes.
“His leadership of two veteran organizations was marked with accusations of financial mismanagement and problems with the workplace culture he fostered,” she added.
Murkowski’s comments come after an allegation from his former sister-in-law claiming his behavior caused his second wife to fear for her safety. Hegseth and his allies continue to deny any wrongdoing. Murkowski points to the nominee’s admission of “infidelity on multiple occasions,” calling it “a lack of judgment that is unbecoming of someone who would lead our armed forces.”
“While the allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking do nothing to quiet my concerns, the past behaviors Mr. Hegseth has admitted to, including infidelity on multiple occasions, demonstrate a lack of judgment that is unbecoming of someone who would lead our armed forces,” she said.
Meanwhile, Collins did not reference any of the allegations against Hegseth, but said her concern is surrounding his “experience and perspective.”
“I am concerned that Mr. Hegseth does not have the management experience and background that he will need in order to tackle these difficulties. His limited managerial experience involved running two small non-profit organizations that had decidedly mixed results,” she wrote in a post on X on Thursday afternoon.
After careful consideration, I have decided to vote against Pete Hegseth’s nomination for Secretary of Defense. 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…
— Sen. Susan Collins (@SenatorCollins) January 23, 2025
The Maine senator said she is also concerned about prior statements Hegseth made on a podcast in December that women should not be allowed in combat. Hegseth has since changed his stance.
“He and I had a candid conversation in December about his past statements and apparently evolving views. I am not convinced that his position on women serving in combat roles has changed,” she added.
Republicans can afford just three defections with their 53-47 majority. If three senators oppose Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance would need to come to the Capitol to break a tie. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), who had previously been considered a wildcard, voted to invoke cloture on Hegseth’s nomination. However, it’s unclear if the Kentucky senator will vote to approve Hegseth’s nomination.
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Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Wicker previewed this possibility earlier on Thursday.
“If I were JD Vance, I’d stick around,” Wicker said, speaking to reporters, and later saying that Republicans still have the votes to confirm Hegseth.
