The Senate voted 51-49 to move forward with Hegseth's nomination for defense secretary, despite being embroiled in multiple controversies. Two Republicans have voiced opposition to his candidacy.
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| The Republican-led Senate voted to advance Pete Hegseth's nomination for defense secretary. |
The vote ended with a 51-49 result, with two Republicans, Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, joining all 47 Democrats in opposing Hegseth. A simple majority was required for the nomination to proceed to a final vote.
Murkowski, the first Republican to publicly oppose Hegseth, expressed concerns about his "lack of judgment" and behavior she deemed "unbecoming of someone who would lead our armed forces." Collins, after the vote, cited worries over Hegseth’s comments on women in combat, which he later retracted during his confirmation hearing. While Hegseth expressed support for women in combat, provided standards were maintained, Collins stated she remained unconvinced that his position had changed.
Despite the opposition, Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) expressed confidence that Hegseth would be confirmed on Friday. When asked about Murkowski and Collins’ dissent, Wicker noted that he was not surprised and understood their positions.
Hegseth’s path to confirmation appeared uncertain just a month ago, following news reports detailing allegations of alcohol abuse, sexual assault, and financial mismanagement of organizations he had led. He has denied all these allegations.
The Senate vote came after new revelations, including a sworn affidavit from Hegseth’s former sister-in-law, Daniella Hegseth, which alleged that Pete Hegseth exhibited “erratic and aggressive behavior” and made his ex-wife, Samantha Hegseth, “fear for her safety” during their marriage. Daniella Hegseth also claimed Samantha had once told her that Pete Hegseth had grabbed her groin without consent. However, Daniella stated she had not witnessed any physical or sexual abuse, and Samantha Hegseth denied the allegations.
Tim Parlatore, Pete Hegseth's attorney, dismissed the accusations, emphasizing that Samantha Hegseth had denied them. Despite the vote, Hegseth's confirmation is not guaranteed. If four more GOP senators join all Democrats, Hegseth could fall short of the majority needed for confirmation.
Senators like Shelly Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) have confirmed they will support Hegseth, but others, including Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), remain undecided as they review the allegations. Tillis indicated that after thorough investigation, he had not found any corroborated evidence to support the accusations.
Wicker hinted at a tight final vote, suggesting Vice President JD Vance might be called upon to break a tie.
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