Moderate Republican Murkowski won't back Trump pick Hegseth for defense secretary
2025-01-24
Category: political

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said Thursday she can't support Pete Hegseth to be President Donald Trump's secretary of defense.&nbsp; "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," she concluded in a lengthy statement posted to X.&nbsp; In her reasoning, Murkowski cited infidelity, "allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking" and Hegseth's previous comments on women serving in the military.&nbsp; TIM SCOTT EMPHASIZES 'RESULTS' OVER RECONCILIATION PROCESS AS HE STAYS OUT OF DEBATE  The behaviors he has admitted to alone, she said, show "a lack of judgment that is unbecoming of someone who would lead our armed forces." While Hegseth has admitted to past infidelity, he has denied claims of excessive drinking and sexual assault.&nbsp; DEM WHO CALLED TRUMP 'EXISTENTIAL THREAT TO DEMOCRACY' NOW BLOCKING HIS NOMINEES  The Alaska Republican noted that she met with Hegseth "and carefully reviewed his writings, various reports, and other pertinent materials."&nbsp; Further, Murkowski said she "closely followed his hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee and gathered substantial feedback from organizations, veterans, and Alaskans." "After thorough evaluation, I must conclude that I cannot in good conscience support his nomination for Secretary of Defense," she said.&nbsp; HEGSETH LAWYER SLAMS 'FLAWED AND QUESTIONABLE AFFIDAVIT' FROM EX-SISTER-IN-LAW  Over the last few days, Hegseth's nomination has faced new pressure with the revelation of an affidavit from his former sister-in-law that alleged he made his ex-wife Samantha Hegseth fear for her safety. Additionally, a source told Fox News Samantha had provided a new statement to the FBI that alleged "Pete Hegseth has had and continues to have a problem with alcohol abuse." Hegseth maintained his denial of any allegations of alcohol, physical or sexual abuse.&nbsp; REPUBLICAN LEADERS STILL AT ODDS ON RECONCILIATION DEBATE AFTER TRUMP MEETING Other GOP senators who have yet to take a public position on Hegseth include senators Susan Collins, R-Maine, and former GOP Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. Collins told reporters Thursday, "I’ll be releasing a statement shortly."&nbsp; When asked whether he supports Hegseth, Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., told reporters, "I've told you, I'm going to say the same thing. So, make sure you take notes this time. I am completing due diligence on the latest affidavit to conclude whether or not there is an eyewitness firsthand account that's corroborated."  Hegseth will need a simple majority of the Senate to vote in his favor to be confirmed. With the Republicans' 53-seat majority, he can only afford to lose a handful of the conference. If there is a tie, newly sworn-in Vice President JD Vance will be needed to cast the tie-breaking vote.&nbsp; The move to oppose Hegseth's confirmation was not unexpected from Murkowski, who has earned a reputation for occasionally bucking her party.&nbsp; CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Fox News was recently told it was possible Hegseth's confirmation would need Vance's tie-breaking vote. In particular, Fox News was told to watch McConnell, Collins and Murkowski on the pivotal confirmation vote.&nbsp; If McConnell and Collins join Murkowski in voting against Hegseth, Vance will need to go to the Capitol to break the tie and confirm Hegseth as defense secretary. No vice president had ever broken a tie to confirm a Cabinet secretary until former Vice President Pence did so to confirm Betsy DeVos as education secretary Feb. 7, 2017. Pence also broke ties to confirm former Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., as ambassador for religious freedom in 2018.&nbsp; Pence also broke a tie to confirm current Budget Director nominee Russ Vought as deputy budget director in 2018.