President Donald Trump expressed surprise and frustration as key Republican senators opposed his Defense Secretary nominee, Pete Hegseth, potentially jeopardizing the confirmation.
At a Glance
- GOP Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski oppose Pete Hegseth’s nomination for Defense Secretary
- Trump surprised by opposition from within his own party
- Hegseth’s nomination faces challenges due to various allegations
- All Senate Democrats plan to vote against Hegseth
- Hegseth vows to abstain from alcohol if confirmed
Trump’s Unexpected Challenge from GOP Senators
In a surprising turn of events, President Donald Trump faced opposition from within his own party as Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski announced their intention to vote against Pete Hegseth’s nomination for Defense Secretary. The President, caught off guard by this development, expressed his dismay at the senators’ stance.
“I was very surprised that Collins and Murkowski would do that,” Trump said.
Trump’s frustration was palpable as he hinted at potential further opposition within the party. He speculated about Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s position, stating, “Of course Mitch is always a no vote I guess.”
President Donald Trump said he was "very surprised" that Republican Sens. Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski voted to oppose Pete Hegseth's nomination as Defense Secretary. Sen. Mitch McConnel, a Trump critic, voted in favor of Hegseth. pic.twitter.com/E09BVKQMJM
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) January 24, 2025
Hegseth’s Nomination Faces Hurdles
The path to confirmation for Pete Hegseth has been fraught with challenges. Allegations of drinking on the job, infidelity, and a sexual assault accusation have cast a shadow over his nomination. Hegseth has vehemently denied these accusations, but they have nonetheless influenced the opinions of some senators.
In response to concerns about his alleged alcohol use, Hegseth made a solemn commitment during his confirmation hearings. “This is the biggest deployment of my life, and there won’t be a drop of alcohol on my lips while I’m doing it,” he said.
Hegseth secured his post in a vote of 51 to 50. Three Republicans, Sens. Mitch McConnell, Lisa Murkowski, and Susan Collins, joined the Democrats in opposing his nomination. Vice President JD Vance cast the tiebreaking vote.
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— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) January 25, 2025
A Narrow Path to Confirmation
The opposition from Collins and Murkowski, combined with the expected unanimous opposition from Senate Democrats, has left Hegseth with a precarious path to confirmation. With all 50 Senate Democrats planning to vote against him, Hegseth can only afford to lose three Republican votes to secure the position.
Several Republican Senators, including Todd Young, Thom Tillis, and Shelley Moore Capito, have shown reservations but ultimately voted to advance Hegseth’s nomination. This development has kept the possibility of confirmation alive, albeit by a narrow margin.