Pete Hegseth’s path to becoming President Trump’s new defense secretary has hit a speed bump after two Republican senators announced they would vote “no,” according to a report from the Wall Street Journal.
Key Facts:
- President Trump nominated Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense last year.
- Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) oppose the nomination.
- The Senate advanced Hegseth by a narrow 51-49 vote; a final vote is expected on Friday.
- Hegseth served in the Army National Guard and worked as a Fox News host.
- He has been criticized for past statements on women in combat and a perceived lack of leadership experience.
The Rest of The Story
Hegseth’s nomination took center stage when Murkowski and Collins each voiced doubts about his fitness for the job.
Murkowski objected to his character and record, saying, “I cannot in good conscience support his nomination.”
Collins stated she appreciated his military service but questioned whether he has “the experience and perspective necessary to succeed.”
Despite a close procedural vote, Hegseth still needs enough Republicans on his side to reach a majority.
Some who voted Thursday to move the process forward remain noncommittal on final passage.
The uncertain margin comes after easy confirmations for Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA chief John Ratcliffe.
Many at the Pentagon anticipate that Hegseth would push for changes such as firing certain Joint Chiefs of Staff members.
He has voiced concerns that the military is focusing too much on social programs and not enough on core defense needs.
Trump, meanwhile, called the two senators’ rejection “too bad,” implying he expected some pushback.
Since Mr. Hegseth’s nomination last November, I have met with him and carefully reviewed his writings, various reports, and other pertinent materials. I closely followed his hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee and gathered substantial feedback from organizations,…
— Sen. Lisa Murkowski (@lisamurkowski) January 23, 2025
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
Commentary
We hope the Senate confirms Pete Hegseth.
President Trump chose him to lead the Pentagon, and it is vital that the administration’s chosen candidate has the chance to set its defense agenda.
Hegseth’s military background and focus on realigning our forces with their primary mission—protecting the United States—could boost morale and strengthen recruitment.
Hegseth appears ready to bring a clear sense of purpose to the job.
He wants to make sure our armed forces are truly prepared for every threat, and we believe that kind of leadership could help rebuild trust between the troops and the White House.
We hope the Senate will move forward and finalize his confirmation.
The Bottom Line
Pete Hegseth’s nomination is hanging in the balance, with two key Republican senators against him.
The decision will ultimately rest on whether enough GOP members decide his vision and experience are what the country needs right now.
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