Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Pentagon, cleared a major procedural hurdle in the Senate on Thursday to advance his nomination.
The vote on ending the debate came down to the wire, though Hegseth ultimately got 51 Republican votes to advance.
A final confirmation vote on Hegseth could now take place on Friday or early Saturday.
Two GOP senators voted against it: Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Sens. Susan Collins.
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense, appears before the Senate Armed Services Committee for his confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Jan. 14, 2025.
Jacquelyn Martin/AP
Murkowski announced his opposition before the matchup.
“After a thorough evaluation, I must conclude that I cannot in good conscience support his nomination for Secretary of Defense,” Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski said in a message about X. “I did not take this decision lightly; I take my constitutional responsibility to give advice and consent very seriously.”
Murkowski said she wasn’t sure Hegseth was well-prepared to lead the Pentagon, which is the government’s largest agency, and took issue with her past statements about women in the military.
The Alaska Republican also cited allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking. Hegseth has largely denied the allegations against him, telling lawmakers he is a “changed man.”
“Mr Hegseth’s admitted past conduct, including dishonesty on several occasions, demonstrates a lack of judgment unbecoming of someone who would lead our armed forces,” he said. “These behaviors are in stark contrast to the values and discipline expected of service members.”
Senator Lisa Murkowski heads to the Senate floor to vote on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act on January 22, 2025 in Washington.
Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images
Collins, in her statement, also raised concerns about Hegseth’s view of women in the military.
“After careful consideration, I have decided to vote against the nomination of Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense,” he said. “While I appreciate his courageous military service and continued commitment to our service members and their families, I am concerned that he lacks the experience and vision necessary to make the job a success.”
In a speech Thursday, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker endorsed Hegseth, calling him “the right man for the job.”
Earlier this week the committee narrowly advanced Hegseth’s nomination in a 14-13 vote along party lines.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, however, blasted Hegseth’s nomination in a speech before the vote.
Schumer, pointing out the allegations against Hegseth, asked his colleagues if he is “the guy you want on the other end of the phone in a crisis.”
“Is this the best man we have to lead the world’s largest military?” Schumer said.
The vote to end the Hegseth debate came after lawmakers voted 74-25 to approve the nomination of John Ratcliffe to be CIA director. Ratcliffe is Trump’s second-in-command.
