Nearly all Republican senators have voted to confirm President Joe Biden's Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in 2021, with some disparaging the prospects of Trump's nominee for the post, Pete Hegseth. This includes members of Congress who are seen as having the potential to do so.
Republican strategist Andy Slavian noted that only seven are Republicans. refrained From the vote to approve Austin:
All but seven Republicans in the Senate voted to confirm Biden's incompetent Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin — perhaps the worst Pentagon chief in U.S. history — and who was to blame for the embarrassment in Afghanistan. When you see a RINO senator criticizing something, think about it.
Donald Trump Jr. retweeted Slavian and criticized Republicans who support Austin but are now critical of Hegseth.
“What a shame. If you're a Republican senator who voted for Lloyd Austin, but criticize him. [Hegseth]Then you might be in the wrong political party! ” Trump Jr. wrote in his post.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk agreed with Trump Jr., marking a major fall from MAGA Republicanism to the establishment faction of the party.
Only two senators, Josh Hawley (R-Missouri) and Mike Lee (R-Utah), voted against Austin, and five other Republican senators did not vote at all. There wasn't.
Three of the Republicans who supported Biden's candidacy are now Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Susan Collins (R-Maine). Hegseth has become one of the biggest question marks over his prospects.
Assuming all Democrats oppose his confirmation, Hegseth would likely only lose two Republican votes. The Republican Party, in particular, will maintain a 52-47 majority until Governor Mike DeWine (R-Ohio) appoints a successor to President-elect J.D. Vance.
Mr. Hegseth met with Mr. Ernst on Wednesday, and CNN reported that he is scheduled to meet with Mr. Collins and Mr. Murkowski next week.
Ernst is rumored to be a potential back-up candidate should Hegseth's bid fail. shown He told Fox News Thursday morning that he was not ready to endorse Hegseth, after calling Wednesday's discussions “candid and thorough.”
Hegseth said Thursday that their meeting was “constructive” and “candid.”
Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk on Thursday criticized Ernst over reports that he and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) were plotting to damage Hegseth's reputation. accused by name.
“Joni Ernst and Lindsey Graham both voted for the historically bad confirmation of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, but there are multiple reports that they are both involved in an assassination plot to undermine Pete Hegseth's nomination.'' ” he wrote. X.
“I hope that's not true,” he added.
