By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2025-01-23 19:36:57 | Updated at 2025-01-23 22:41:20
3 hours ago
Donald Trump's selection for secretary of defense Pete Hegseth has just suffered a major blow to his chances at getting confirmed.
The former Fox News host will need to secure at least 51 votes to get confirmed into the Pentagon's top job but one crucial GOP senator just announced she will not support Trump's pick - the first Republican to do so.
Hegseth, 44, has miffed Democrats and some moderate Republicans with recent headlines about his past treatment of women, use of alcohol and his leadership at a couple nonprofits.
Allegations ranging from drinking at work to sexual assault to domestic issues have all come to light since the father of seven and former soldier was nominated.
Hegseth's team has refuted wrongdoing in any instances, though the nominee did address the claims in his confirmation hearing, admitting 'I'm not perfect.'
Now, on cusp of the former TV host getting a full confirmation vote by all 100 senators, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, posted on X Thursday afternoon that she would not back Hegseth.
She noted that she has 'serious concerns' about the 44-year-old's fitness for the job and that he is not 'prepared for such immense responsibility.'
'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 67-year-old Alaskan wrote.
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to be Defense Secretary, poses for a photo with Cabinet picks, other nominees and appointments, at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, 67, posted on X Thursday she will not support Hegseth for secretary of defense
Hegseth and his wife Jennifer with Trump at a football game
The note continued: '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 loss of her vote means Republicans chances of getting Hegseth confirmed are narrowing, and other GOP lawmakers like Sen. Susan Collins of Maine have also been skeptical of the former TV host's qualifications.
Other GOP lawmakers to watch out for are Sens. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and John Curtis of Utah.
Republicans carry a 53 - 47 majority in the Senate, so if three GOP lawmakers don't back Hegseth, he will not get confirmed.
'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,' she continued about the nominee's past suggestion women should not serve in combat roles.
'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.'
Murkowski's condemnation of Hegseth's nomination comes just days after a bombshell report revealed fresh allegations against the embattled Trump pick.
Testimony given by Danielle Hegseth - the ex-wife of Hegseth's brother - was obtained by the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday, NBC News first reported.
Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski speaks to the press in the Ohio Clock Corridor in the US Capitol in Washington, DC, USA, 22 January 2025
Pete Hegseth, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense, and his wife Jennifer Rauchet arrive for a meeting at the Hart Senate Office Building on January 8, 2025 in Washington, DC
Danielle writes in a sworn affidavit that Samantha Hegseth, who was Pete's spouse from 2010 to 2017, was scared for her safety due to her then-husband's actions.
In the affidavit Danielle Hegseth cites private conversations the two had at the time as the basis for her claims, saying Samantha disclosed Pete's 'erratic and aggressive behavior over many years.'
The nominee, however, completely denied the allegations.
'Mr. Hegseth categorically denies every word of every allegation,' an aide for Hegseth told DailyMail.com in a statement.
'I would also refer you to Samantha Hegseth's statement, which says these statements are false, and the court document that the Armed Services Committee submitted for the record attesting to this fact,' they continued.
Pete and his ex-wife Samantha Hegseth
Samantha Hegseth also poured cold water on the fresh claims, telling NBC News of the allegations: 'I do not believe your information to be accurate, and I have cc'd my lawyer.
'There was no physical abuse in my marriage. This is the only further statement I will make to you, I have let you know that I am not speaking and will not speak on my marriage to Pete. Please respect this decision.'
