(Gray News) – Two Republican senators publicly announced they would vote against the confirmation of Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump’s cabinet pick for defense secretary.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, both publicly announced that they would vote ‘no’ for Hegseth.
Hegseth is a former combat veteran and Fox News host who faces several allegations of excessive drinking and aggressive actions toward women. Hegseth has denied the allegations.
Murkowksi said that his behaviors “starkly contrast” with what is expected of the military.
“Since Mr. Hegseth’s nomination last November, I have met with him and carefully reviewed his writings, various reports, and other pertinent materials. I closely followed his hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee and gathered substantial feedback from organizations, veterans, and Alaskans,” Murkowski said on social media. “After thorough evaluation, I must conclude that I cannot in good conscience support his nomination for Secretary of Defense. I did not make this decision lightly; I take my constitutional responsibility to provide advice and consent with the utmost seriousness.”
Murkowski went on to say that “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.”
Collins shared similar concerns, saying while she appreciates Hegseth’s “courageous military service and his ongoing commitment to our servicemembers and their families,” she is “concerned that he does not have the experience and perspective necessary to succeed in the job.”
Both Murkowski and Collins also noted Hegseth’s past statements that women should not fill military combat roles.
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