Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska announced that she would oppose the nomination of Pete Hegseth to become the next US secretary of defense, making her the first Republican lawmaker to publicly reject one of Donald Trump’s cabinet picks and raising fresh doubts about the controversial nominee’s chances of confirmation.
Murkowski indicated her opposition to Hegseth in a statement shared on social media on Thursday, in which she criticized the Fox News host and army veteran as lacking the experience and character needed to lead the Pentagon.
“After thorough evaluation, I must conclude that I cannot in good conscience support his nomination for Secretary of Defense,” Murkowski wrote. “I commend Pete Hegseth’s service to our nation, including leading troops in combat and advocating for our veterans. However, these accomplishments do not alleviate my significant concerns regarding his nomination.”
Given Republicans’ 53-47 advantage in the Senate, Hegseth can only afford to lose three of their votes, assuming every Democratic senator opposes his nomination. The Senate will hold a procedural vote on Hegseth’s nomination on Thursday afternoon, which may provide crucial insight into his chances of confirmation.
Murkowski’s announcement comes one week after Hegseth’s contentious hearing before the Senate armed services committee, where Democrats grilled the nominee on allegations of sexual assault, excessive alcohol use and financial mismanagement of two non-profits that he oversaw.
On Wednesday, the top Democrat on the committee, Jack Reed of Rhode Island, confirmed that senators had received an affidavit from Hegseth’s former sister-in-law accusing him of engaging in aggressive and erratic behavior that prompted his family members to fear for their safety. Hegseth has denied the allegations, and his ex-wife, Samantha Hegseth, has said he never physically abused her.
Murkowski continued in her statement: “While the allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking do nothing to quiet my concerns, the past behaviors Mr Hegseth has admitted to, including infidelity on multiple occasions, demonstrate a lack of judgment that is unbecoming of someone who would lead our armed forces.”
The Alaska Republican also cited Hegseth’s previous comments suggesting that women should not be allowed to serve in combat roles, which he attempted to walk back during his hearing last week, as disqualifying.
“Although he has recently revised his statements on women in combat since being nominated, I remain concerned about the message that confirming Mr Hegseth sends to women currently serving and those aspiring to join,” Murkowski said. “Women have served our nation with distinction, overcoming immense obstacles to excel in combat and leadership roles, and they deserve to know that their leader honors and values their commitment to our nation.”
She concluded her statement: “Given the global security environment we’re operating in, it is critical that we confirm a Secretary of Defense[;] however, I regret that I am unable to support Mr Hegseth.”
The Senate is expected to hold the final vote on Hegseth’s nomination on Friday night.
