senator. Lisa Murkowski will vote against Hegseth | Real Time Headlines

senator. Lisa Murkowski announced Thursday that she would vote against confirmation Peter Heggs Lead the Pentagon and become the first Republican to oppose the president Donald Trump’s Cabinet makes choice ahead of crucial test vote.

Alaska’s Murkowski said in a lengthy statement, Excessive drinking and aggressive behavior towards womenHegseth denied this, indicating that his behavior was “in sharp contrast” to the expectations of the US military. She also noted his past remarks that women should not serve in military combat roles.

“I remain concerned about the message confirmed by Mr. Hegseth to women currently serving and aspiring to join,” Murkowski wrote on social media.

Murkowski said Hegseth’s admitted behavior “included multiple instances of infidelity” and showed a lack of judgment. “These actions are in stark contrast to the values ​​and discipline expected of members of the military,” she said.

“Above all, I think character is the defining characteristic required of a defense minister and must be prioritized without compromise,” she said.

Senate Republican leaders rush to push Trump’s The defense secretary nominee is expected to be confirmed despite strong opposition from Democrats and unease from Republicans about his conduct and qualifications to lead the U.S. military.

A simple majority of senators will be needed to advance Hegseth’s confirmation in Thursday’s vote. Most Republicans, who hold 53 seats in the House of Representatives, have said they will support the nominee, but Vice President JD Vance Tie-breaking votes may be called.

Cabinet selections have rarely been surrounded by such a barrage of allegations of misconduct. Trump backed Hegseth, and the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee dismissed the claims as factually inaccurate.

“I firmly believe that the nominee, Mr. Hegers, is ready to be the next secretary of defense,” Chairman Roger Wicker, Republican Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, said in a statement on the eve of the test vote. “The Senate needs to confirm this nominee as soon as possible.”

A new president’s national security nominees are often the first to await confirmation to ensure U.S. security at home and abroad. The Senate has overwhelmingly confirmed Marco Rubio Elected Secretary of State by unanimous vote and expected to be confirmed John Ratcliffe later on Thursday as CIA director.

But Heggs is in a league of his own in accusation He sexually assaulted a woman at a Republican conference in California, which he denies was a consensual encounter, and drank heavily at events while he led a veterans group. He also said women should not serve in combat roles, but he has tempered that view during his confirmation process.

one New claims emerge This week, a former sister-in-law claimed in a deposition that Hegseth abused his second wife to the point that she feared for her safety. Hegseth denies the allegation. Neither Hegseth nor the woman claimed in the divorce proceedings that they were victims of domestic violence.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer Thursday said Hegseth was unfit for the position because of his personal behavior, including alcohol abuse, and his lack of experience.

“One of the kindest words that can be used to describe Mr. Hegseth is erratic, and the Department of Defense does not want that word to be used,” Schumer said. “He has clear issues with his judgment.”

Hegseth, a Princeton and Harvard-educated Army veteran, began his career at Fox News Channel where he hosted a weekend show. Trump appointed him defense secretary to lead an organization with nearly 2.1 million troops, about 780,000 civilians and an $850 billion budget.

Hegseth promised that if confirmed, he would not drink on the job.

But the Senators remain skeptical about his experience and ability and what could lead to reprimand or dismissal For military personnel, he is now expected to lead.

Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst, herself a veteran and sexual assault survivor, has expressed support.

However, the votes of several Republican senators, including Murkowski and Maine Sen. Susan Collins, received widespread attention.

period fiery confirmation During the hearing, Heggs refuted the accusations of wrongdoing one by one, calling them “slanderous,” while displaying his military credentials and vowing to bring a “warrior culture” to the Pentagon’s top jobs.

Wick said he was informed for the third time about the status of the FBI’s background check on Hegseth. “The allegations that unfairly call into question his character do not pass muster,” he said.