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GOP Senator To Vote No On Trump Nominee

Sen. Lisa Murkowski Breaks with GOP, Opposes Trump’s Pentagon Nominee Pete Hegseth

Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska announced her opposition to Pete Hegseth’s confirmation as Secretary of Defense, becoming the first Republican to break ranks on one of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees. Her decision comes ahead of a pivotal Senate vote on the controversial pick.

In a detailed statement, Murkowski cited concerns over allegations of excessive drinking, aggressive behavior toward women, and infidelity—claims that Hegseth has denied. She also pointed to his past comments opposing women serving in military combat roles, which she said conflict with the values of inclusivity and discipline expected in the U.S. military.

“I remain deeply concerned about the message that confirming Mr. Hegseth sends to women currently serving in our armed forces and those aspiring to join,” Murkowski wrote on social media. She emphasized that character and judgment are critical qualities for the position, stating, “Above all, I believe that character is the defining trait required of the Secretary of Defense and must be prioritized without compromise.”

The Senate GOP leadership has moved quickly to advance Hegseth’s nomination despite vocal opposition from Democrats and unease among some Republicans. Hegseth, a former combat veteran and Princeton and Harvard graduate, has faced a series of allegations, including accusations of heavy drinking while leading a veterans organization, claims of domestic abuse, and opposition to women in combat roles. He has denied these allegations, labeling them as politically motivated smears.

Hegseth’s confirmation faces an uncertain path, requiring a simple majority to advance. Republicans hold a slim 53-seat majority in the Senate, meaning Vice President JD Vance could be called in to break a potential tie.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., has dismissed the allegations against Hegseth as unfounded. “I am confident in my assessment that Mr. Hegseth is prepared to be the next Secretary of Defense,” Wicker said, urging the Senate to confirm him swiftly.

Despite this support, criticism has been mounting. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer called Hegseth “unfit” for the role, highlighting concerns over his behavior and judgment. “Erratic is not a term we can afford at the Department of Defense,” Schumer said.

While Hegseth has vowed not to drink on the job if confirmed, some senators remain skeptical of his ability to lead an organization as vast and complex as the Pentagon, which oversees 2.1 million service members, 780,000 civilians, and an $850 billion budget.

Notably, Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, a combat veteran and survivor of sexual assault, has voiced her support for Hegseth, while other Republican senators, including Murkowski and Susan Collins of Maine, are seen as key votes to watch.

During a heated confirmation hearing, Hegseth defended his record, dismissing allegations as attempts to discredit him. He pledged to instill a “warrior culture” in the Pentagon if confirmed. However, allegations, including a recent claim from a former sister-in-law accusing him of domestic abuse—denied by both parties during divorce proceedings—continue to cast a shadow over his nomination.

As the confirmation vote looms, the debate over Hegseth’s qualifications and character underscores the broader challenge of balancing personal behavior with the responsibilities of leading the U.S. military.


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