Donald Trump's selection for Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth just suffered a major blow to his chances of confirmation.
The former Fox News host will need at least 51 votes to be confirmed to the Pentagon's top post, but a crucial Republican senator just announced she will not support Trump's pick — the first Republican to do so.
Hegseth, 44, has angered Democrats and some moderate Republicans with recent headlines about his past treatment of women, alcohol use and his leadership at a pair of nonprofits.
Allegations ranging from drinking at work to sexual assault and domestic issues have all come to light since the father-of-seven and former soldier was nominated.
Hegseth's team has refuted wrongdoing in all cases, although the nominee did raise the claims during his confirmation hearing and admitted that “I'm not perfect.”
Now, on the eve of the former TV host receiving a full confirmation vote from all 100 senators, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, posted on X Thursday afternoon that she would not support Hegseth.
“Although he has recently revised his statements regarding women in combat since his appointment, I remain concerned about the message that Mr. Hegseth's confirmation sends to women currently serving and those who aspire to join,” the wrote 67 year old Alaskan.
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to become Secretary of Defense, poses for a photo with Cabinet picks, other nominees and appointments at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, Saturday, January 18, 2025
Senator Lisa Murkowski, 67, posted on X on Thursday that she will not support Hegseth for defense secretary
Hegseth and his wife Jennifer with Trump during a football game
Pete Hegseth, US 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
“Women have served our nation with distinction and overcome tremendous obstacles to excel in combat and leadership roles, and they deserve to know that their leader honors and appreciates their dedication to our nation.”
The note continued: 'Given the global security environment in which we operate, it is critical that we appoint a Secretary of Defense, but I regret that I cannot support Mr. Hegseth.”
The loss of her vote means Republicans' chances of getting Hegseth confirmed are diminishing, and other Republican lawmakers such as Sen. Susan Collins of Maine were also skeptical of the former TV host's qualifications.
Other Republican lawmakers to watch are Sens. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and John Curtis of Utah.
Republicans have a 53-47 majority in the Senate, so if three Republican lawmakers don't support Hegseth, he won't win confirmation.
This is a current news story and will be continually updated.
