GOP Sens. announce opposition to Hegseth nom, saying they won’t “compromise” on “character”

Pete Hegseth He lost the support of two GOP senators before the final confirmation vote.

Trump’s choice to lead the Department of Defense appears to still have a majority of senators on his side. but, lisa murkowski, R-Alaska, W susan collins, The Maine Republican voted with Democrats against a motion to overturn Hegseth’s nomination. The proposal passed by a vote of 51 to 49 with support from the rest of the GOP caucus on Thursday.

“I cannot in good conscience support it [Hegseth’s] “Nomination for the position of Minister of Defense,” Murkowski explained on Thursday. Send to X, “Hegseth’s accomplishments do not mitigate my grave concerns about his candidacy,” he said.

Murkowski cited concerns about “allegations of sexual assault and heavy drinking,” saying Hegseth showed “a lack of judgment that is unbecoming of someone leading our armed forces.” Accusations have surrounded Hegseth since his candidacy was announced. Earlier this week, senators received a letter Affidavit from Hegseth’s ex-wife’s sister Alleging that Hegseth’s ex-wife feared for her safety at times during their marriage.

“I believe that this character is the hallmark required of a Minister of Defense, and should be prioritized without compromise,” Murkowski wrote. “The MoD leader must demonstrate and model the standards of conduct and character we expect of all military service members, and the nomination of Mr. Hegseth to this role raises significant concerns that I cannot overlook.”

In a statement explaining her no vote, Collins highlighted Hegseth’s lack of experience and clear understanding of the Department of Defense.

“I am concerned that he does not have the experience and perspective needed to succeed in the job,” Collins said in a letter. statement.

Both members referred to Hegseth’s previous statements regarding women in the military. Hegseth has a long history of claiming that women do not belong in combat roles within the military, and she stated this directly last November. Murkowski questioned whether his change of heart after his nomination was real, saying that women in the military “deserve to know that their commander respects and values ​​their commitment to our nation.” Collins said she was “not convinced that his position on women serving in combat roles has changed.”

The votes of Senators Collins and Murkowski alone are not enough to prevent Hegseth’s confirmation, though they represent a significant backlash against Trump’s more extreme picks from centrists in his party. The final vote on Hegseth’s confirmation is scheduled for Friday.