Alaska Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski; presentation In a social media post Tuesday, she said she would vote against Donald Trump. Dishonorable Minister of DefensePete Hegseth.
The move makes Murkowski the first Republican to publicly say she will oppose one of Trump’s Cabinet nominees. likely to You can also get confirmation during voting on Friday.
Murkowski said in a lengthy statement that Hegseth had alleged “allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking.” denied“We are in full agreement” with what is expected of the person tasked with leading the Department of Defense. She also expressed concerns about Hegseth. Past comments He attempted to reverse this during his Senate confirmation hearing, but women are not included in combat roles.
“After a thorough evaluation, I have concluded that I cannot in good conscience support his nomination for Secretary of Defense. I did not make this decision lightly. “I have a constitutional responsibility to provide advice and consent with the utmost seriousness.” wrote.
Murkowski continued, “Mr. Hegseth’s acknowledged past actions, including multiple instances of infidelity, demonstrate a lack of judgment.” “… This behavior is in stark contrast to the values and discipline expected of military personnel. “Men and women in uniform are accountable for their actions and deserve to be leaders who uphold the same standards.”
Joining Murkowski in opposing Hegseth’s nomination is Senator Susan CollinsMaine Republican Party. On Thursday, in a procedural vote to advance the nomination, Collins voted against doing so, With Murkowski. The remaining Senate Republicans voted 51-49 to move forward with Hegseth’s confirmation.
Unfortunately, assuming all Democrats oppose his nomination, the votes of two Republicans are not enough to block Hegseth’s confirmation.
It is somewhat notable that Collins appears to be opposed to Hegseth’s nomination. Just one day after she filed her most recent report on Hegseth’s alleged abusive behavior.worried.”
Collins said: affidavit From Hegseth’s former sister-in-law, Danielle Hegseth. Danielle claimed Hegseth abused alcohol to the point where he “passed out, threw up, was dragged out of family events and public places, and at times shouted sexually and racially offensive remarks.”
Hegseth also said he acted in a threatening manner towards his second wife, Samantha Hegseth, and devised an “escape plan” by texting “safe words” to friends and family in case she needed help. Danielle also accused Hegseth of making racist and sexist comments, including claims that women should not vote or work and that Christians should “raise their children” over the growing Muslim population.
at name According to NBC News, Samantha has denied any physical abuse during her marriage to Hegseth, and Hegseth’s attorney also recently denied the allegations.
Hegseth appeared to have cleared his toughest hurdle last week. his confirmation hearing His Republican allies are mainly I asked him a softball question.. After the hearing, Sen. Joni Ernst, formerly a Republican from Iowa, expressed skepticism Hegseth said of his bid: Now she will support him.
But these new reports about Hegseth’s behavior come as the Senate prepares for a critical vote to advance his nomination.
In fact, even the latest claims, no matter how damning, are not enough to move many members of Trump’s Republican Party. Not only will it help clear the way for the final confirmation vote; Missouri Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt suggested that Democrats were colluding with Hegseth’s enemies to sabotage his bid.
“I feel hopeless. “This is a sad attempt by Democrats to oust a reformer,” Schmidt said. Politico.
Notably, it’s not the only argument that could potentially derail Hegseth’s bid to lead the Pentagon. In 2017 he charged with rapeStill he maintain It was a consensual meeting.
Moreover, his former Fox News colleague accused him of “touching her” while drunk and claimed he groped “her ass” while the two were in New York. NPR.
A majority of Americans have already said this. they don’t want A cabinet full of drunks and abusers. But Republicans, with the exception of Murkowski and Collins, somehow manage to put up with it.
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