OAN staff Abril Elfi
3:10pm – Thursday, January 23, 2025
The Senate has voted to advance the nomination of Pete Hegseth as the new secretary of the Department of Defense.
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On Thursday, the Senate moved forward with Hegseth's nomination despite opposition from Democrats and some Republicans who questioned his ability to lead the military.
One Republican senator, Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), posted on X regarding the Senate's progress, claimed she would not vote in favor of confirming Hegseth.
“After a thorough evaluation, I must conclude that I cannot in good conscience support the nomination for Secretary of Defense,” Murkowski said in a statement Thursday. “I did not take this decision lightly. I take my constitutional responsibility and provide my advice and consent with the utmost seriousness.”
Murkowski went on to address Hegseth's “lack of experience” in comparable executive positions, his previous “remarks regarding women” in combat, and the anonymous accusations of alcohol abuse and sexual misconduct filed against him. I tried to raise concerns about the suspicions.
Nevertheless, Hegseth has refuted these claims numerous times.
According to Hegseth's attorney, Tim Parlatore, evidence collected by the California DA's office includes evidence that an anonymous female accuser filed a false allegation of sexual assault against another man in another jurisdiction. is said to be included. Parlatore has worked to make these documents available to the public.
A Trump administration spokesperson said Thursday:[22-page police report] It confirms what Mr. Hegseth's lawyers have been saying all along. The incident was fully investigated and no charges were filed as police determined the allegations were false. ” Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni also acknowledged that her office could not submit the charges because it did not have “proof beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Nevertheless, Murkowski continued to explain her position.
“Although he recently revised his statement on women in combat since his nomination, we remain concerned about Mr. Hegseth's message confirming that he will send women currently serving and those seeking to join. ” Murkowski said. “Women have served our country with distinction and overcame untold obstacles to excel in combat and leadership roles. They honor their leaders for their commitment to our country and You deserve to know that you care.
“Although the allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking do nothing to calm my concerns, Mr. Hegseth has demonstrated the impossible judgment of those who lead our military, including infidelity on multiple occasions. It shows that there is a lack,” Murkowski added. “Our men and women in uniform are held accountable for such actions and deserve leaders who hold them to these same standards.”
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, similarly voted not to confirm Hegseth because of the allegations against him.
The 51-49 vote to end debate on Hegseth's nomination sets the stage for Friday's final confirmation vote, which is expected to secure the majority support he needs to join Trump's Cabinet.
The Armed Services Panel voted 14-13 along party lines to waive the seven-day rule and advance the candidate.
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