Home US Pete Hegseth has delivered a huge blow when the critical Republican said she would vote against Trump’s defense secretary pick

Pete Hegseth has delivered a huge blow when the critical Republican said she would vote against Trump’s defense secretary pick

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Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to become Secretary of Defense, poses for a photo with Cabinet picks, other nominees and appointments at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, Saturday, January 18, 2025

Donald Trump’s selection for Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth just suffered a major blow to his chances of confirmation.

The former Fox News host will need at least 51 votes to be confirmed to the Pentagon’s top post, but a crucial Republican senator just announced she will not support Trump’s pick — the first Republican to do so.

Hegseth, 44, has angered Democrats and some moderate Republicans with recent headlines about his past treatment of women, alcohol use and his leadership at a pair of nonprofits.

Allegations ranging from drinking at work to sexual assault and domestic issues have all come to light since the father-of-seven and former soldier was nominated.

Hegseth’s team has refuted wrongdoing in all cases, although the nominee did raise the claims during his confirmation hearing and admitted that “I’m not perfect.”

With the former TV host receiving a full confirmation vote from all 100 senators, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, posted on X Thursday afternoon that she would not support Hegseth.

She noted that she has “serious concerns” about the 44-year-old’s suitability for the job and that he is not “prepared for such an enormous responsibility.”

“While the allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking do nothing to allay my concerns, the past conduct that Mr. Hegseth has admitted to, including infidelity on multiple occasions, demonstrates a lack of judgment unbecoming of someone who would serve our armed forces to lead. the 67-year-old Alaskan wrote.

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to become Secretary of Defense, poses for a photo with Cabinet picks, other nominees and appointments at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, Saturday, January 18, 2025

Senator Lisa Murkowski, 67, posted on X on Thursday that she will not support Hegseth for defense secretary

Senator Lisa Murkowski, 67, posted on X on Thursday that she will not support Hegseth for defense secretary

Hegseth and his wife Jennifer with Trump during a football game

Hegseth and his wife Jennifer with Trump during a football game

The note continued: ‘Given the global security environment in which we operate, it is critical that we appoint a Secretary of Defense, but I regret that I cannot support Mr. Hegseth.”

Losing her vote means Republicans’ chances of getting Hegseth confirmed diminish.

Just minutes after Murkowski’s announcement, Senator Susan Collins of Maine also announced in a similar post on

“After careful consideration, I have decided to vote against the nomination of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense,” Collins said.

“The next Secretary of Defense will be responsible for managing a massive bureaucracy with nearly three million employees and a budget of nearly $850 billion,” she wrote, before noting that “his limited management experience was running two small non- profit organizations that were decidedly mixed. results.’

Other Republican lawmakers were also skeptical of the former TV host’s qualifications, such as Sens. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and John Curtis of Utah.

Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, so if several Republican lawmakers don’t support Hegseth, he won’t win confirmation.

Although Vice President JD Vance could intervene to break the tie if necessary due to his role as Senate President.

“While he has recently revised his statements on women in combat since his appointment, I remain concerned about the message that Mr. Hegseth’s confirmation sends to women currently serving and those who aspire to join,” she continued about the nominee’s previous suggestion that women should not serve. in combat roles.

Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski speaks to the press in the Ohio Clock Corridor at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, USA, January 22, 2025

Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski speaks to the press in the Ohio Clock Corridor at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, USA, January 22, 2025

Pete Hegseth, US President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense, and his wife Jennifer Rauchet arrive for a meeting at the Hart Senate Office Building on January 8, 2025 in Washington, DC

Pete Hegseth, US President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, and his wife Jennifer Rauchet arrive for a meeting at the Hart Senate Office Building on January 8, 2025 in Washington, DC

“Women have served our nation with distinction and overcome tremendous obstacles to excel in combat and leadership roles, and they deserve to know that their leader honors and appreciates their dedication to our nation.”

Murkowski’s condemnation of Hegseth’s nomination comes just days after a bombshell report uncovered new allegations against the embattled Trump pick.

The testimony of Danielle Hegseth – the ex-wife of Hegseth’s brother – was obtained Tuesday by the Senate Armed Services Committee, NBC News first reported.

Danielle wrote in an affidavit that Samantha Hegseth, who was Pete’s wife from 2010 to 2017, feared for her safety because of her then-husband’s actions.

In the affidavit, Danielle Hegseth cites private conversations the two had at the time as the basis for her claims, saying Samantha revealed Pete’s “erratic and aggressive behavior over many years.”

However, the nominee completely denied the allegations.

‘Sir. Hegseth categorically denies every word of every accusation,” an aide to Hegseth told DailyMail.com in a statement.

“I would also refer you to Samantha Hegseth’s statement stating that these statements are false, and the court document that the Armed Services Committee submitted for the record evidencing this fact,” they continued.

Pete and his ex-wife Samantha Hegseth

Pete and his ex-wife Samantha Hegseth

Samantha Hegseth also poured cold water on the new claims, telling NBC News about the allegations: “I do not believe your information is accurate, and I have cc’d my attorney.

‘There was no physical abuse in my marriage. This is the only further statement I will make to you. I have informed you that I do not and will not speak about my marriage to Pete. Please respect this decision.”

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