WASHINGTON — The Senate made progress on President Donald Trump’s nomination of Pete Hegseth for the role of defense secretary on Thursday, with a vote that largely followed party lines, even as significant concerns were raised by Democrats and some Republicans regarding his qualifications and conduct.
Murkowski of Alaska and Collins from Maine were the two Republican senators who diverged from Trump and his supporters, who have been actively campaigning to secure Hegseth’s confirmation. The Fox News host and former combat veteran has faced allegations of heavy drinking and inappropriate behavior towards women, which he has denied. The vote concluded at 51-49, and a final confirmation decision is anticipated for Friday.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer urged fellow senators to consider gravely, asking, “Is this the best man we have to lead the greatest military in the world?” Murkowski expressed strong reservations in a detailed statement, highlighting that Hegseth’s past actions are inconsistent with expected military standards. She pointed out statements made by Hegseth suggesting that women should not occupy combat roles, a sentiment he attempted to clarify during his confirmation hearings.
Murkowski conveyed her concerns about Hegseth’s confirmation sending a negative message to both current servicewomen and those aiming to join the military. Additionally, she cited his acknowledged behaviors, including multiple instances of infidelity, indicating a lack of sound judgment, which she argued starkly contrasts the values upheld by military personnel.
Collins also articulated her support for Hegseth’s military service, expressing her worry that he does not possess the necessary experience and insight required for the position. Following her discussions with Hegseth, Collins hinted that she was not assured of a significant change in his stance on women serving in combat.
Hegseth’s nomination is mired in swirling allegations, some of which have suggested serious misconduct, including an instance of alleged sexual assault at a Republican conference in California, which he denies classified as non-consensual. In addition, claims have surfaced regarding Hegseth’s alleged heavy drinking during his leadership in a veterans organization.
Recently, new allegations emerged from an affidavit submitted by a former sister-in-law, asserting that Hegseth was abusive toward his second wife to a degree that she feared for her safety. In the context of divorce proceedings, both parties designated themselves as victims in terms of no abuse.
Schumer opined that Hegseth lacked the qualifications for the defense secretary role, critiquing him as potentially “erratic,” a characterization he emphasized as unsuitable for the Department of Defense.
Hegseth, a veteran who has been educated at both Princeton and Harvard, has transitioned to a career at Fox News, where he hosted a weekend program. He was selected by Trump to navigate an organization essential to national security, comprising nearly 2.1 million service members, around 780,000 civilians, and an annual budget of around $850 billion.
During an intense confirmation hearing, Hegseth refuted allegations of wrongdoing, labeling them “smears,” as he showcased his military background and projected a vision of instilling a “warrior culture” at the Pentagon. He has publicly committed to refraining from alcohol consumption if confirmed.
Senator Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, expressed his support for Hegseth, mentioning he received his third briefing regarding the FBI’s background investigation of Hegseth, which he deemed sufficient to dispel claims that tainted Hegseth’s character. However, sentiment among senators remains cautiously skeptical regarding Hegseth’s experience and conduct, which raise issues for the personnel he would soon oversee.
Amidst the doubts, Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican and a combat veteran herself, has indicated her support for Hegseth.
