Senate Moves Forward with Hegseth’s Nomination to Head Department of Defense Ahead of Friday’s Final Vote – One America News Network
OAN Staff Abril Elfi
3:10 PM – Thursday, January 23, 2025
The Senate has voted to proceed with Pete Hegseth’s nomination as the new Secretary of the Department of Defense.
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On Thursday, despite opposition from some Democrats and a few Republicans who voiced doubts about his qualifications for military leadership, the Senate moved forward with Hegseth’s nomination.
Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) expressed her intention not to support Hegseth’s confirmation in a post on X.
“After careful consideration, I have to say that I cannot, in good conscience, endorse his nomination for Secretary of Defense,” Murkowski stated on Thursday. “I did not make this decision lightly; I take my constitutional duty to provide advice and consent very seriously.”
Murkowski went on to raise issues regarding Hegseth’s “lack of experience” in similar executive roles, his earlier “comments about women” in combat, and the anonymous accusations of alcohol misuse and alleged sexual misconduct against him.
However, Hegseth has consistently denied these allegations.
Furthermore, Hegseth’s attorney, Tim Parlatore, noted that evidence gathered by a California District Attorney’s office purportedly includes proof that a female accuser had made false accusations of sexual assault against another individual in a different case. Parlatore is seeking to have these documents made public.
“A spokesperson for the Trump administration stated on Thursday that the ‘[22-page police report] supports what Mr. Hegseth’s attorneys have maintained. The allegations were thoroughly investigated, and no charges were filed as the claims were found to be false.’ Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni acknowledged that her office could not pursue charges due to a lack of ‘proof beyond a reasonable doubt.’
Despite these clarifications, Murkowski elaborated on her stance.
“Even though he has recently changed his viewpoints on women in combat in light of his nomination, I remain concerned about the implications of confirming Mr. Hegseth for the women currently serving and those who wish to join our military,” Murkowski commented. “Women have demonstrated remarkable capability in serving our nation despite facing significant challenges, and they need assurance that their leader respects and values their dedication to our country.”
“Furthermore, the allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking deepen my concerns; the past behaviors Mr. Hegseth has acknowledged, including infidelities on numerous occasions, reflect poor judgment that is not suitable for someone in command of our armed forces,” Murkowski concluded. “Both men and women in uniform are held accountable for their conduct, and they deserve leaders who adhere to the same standards.”
Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) also voted against confirming Hegseth, largely due to the serious allegations against him.
The Senate’s 51-49 vote to end the debate on Hegseth’s nomination sets the stage for a final confirmation vote scheduled for Friday, where he is expected to garner the support needed for his appointment to Trump’s Cabinet.
The Armed Services panel voted along party lines, 14-13, to override the seven-day rule and allow the nomination to proceed.
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