Republican senator rocks Pete Hegseth confirmation with ‘no’ vote

Donald Trump’s selection for secretary of defense Pete Hegseth has just suffered a major blow to his chances at getting confirmed.

The former Fox News host will need to secure at least 51 votes to get confirmed into the Pentagon’s top job but one crucial GOP senator just announced she will not support Trump’s pick.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, posted on X Thursday afternoon that she would not back Hegseth

‘Although he has recently revised his statements on women in combat since being nominated, I remain concerned about the message that confirming Mr. Hegseth sends to women currently serving and those aspiring to join,’ the 67-year-old Alaskan wrote.

‘Women have served our nation with distinction, overcoming immense obstacles to excel in combat and leadership roles, and they deserve to know that their leader honors and values their commitment to our nation.’


Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to be Defense Secretary, poses for a photo with Cabinet picks, other nominees and appointments, at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025


Sen. Lisa Murkowski, 67, posted on X Thursday she will not support Hegseth for secretary of defense 


Hegseth and his wife Jennifer with Trump at a football game 


Pete Hegseth, U.S. 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

The note continued: ‘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.’

The loss of her vote means Republicans chances of getting Hegseth confirmed are narrowing, and other GOP lawmakers like Sen. Susan Collins of Maine have also been skeptical of the former TV host’s qualifications.