The nomination of Pete Hegseth as defense secretary faced a notable hurdle when it reached the Senate, revealing divisions within the Republican ranks. While largely supported by the party, Hegseth’s path was not without opposition, most prominently highlighted by two Republican senators who broke ranks to vote against advancing his nomination. This article delves into the specifics of this Senate vote, exploring which Republicans voted no for Pete Hegseth and the reasons behind their dissenting voices.
On Thursday, the Senate vote to advance Pete Hegseth’s nomination saw a narrow margin of 51-49. This close call was largely due to the opposition from within the Republican party itself, specifically from Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine. These two moderate Republican senators stood apart from their party to register their disapproval of Hegseth’s nomination.
So, what led Senators Murkowski and Collins, both Republicans, to vote no on Pete Hegseth? Their decision was reportedly influenced by a confluence of concerns stemming from Hegseth’s past. These concerns, publicly cited, included:
- Past Infidelity: Reports of infidelity in Hegseth’s past relationships raised questions about his personal conduct and judgment.
- Allegations of Sexual Assault: Serious allegations of sexual assault from a 2017 incident in California cast a dark shadow over his nomination. Although police investigated the claims and did not file charges, the allegations remained a significant point of contention. It was reported by the Associated Press that Hegseth had paid $50,000 to the woman who made the accusations.
- Concerns about Excessive Drinking: Allegations of excessive drinking further fueled doubts about his suitability for a high-level position requiring utmost responsibility and composure.
President Trump himself expressed surprise at the defection of Senators Collins and Murkowski. Departing for North Carolina, he told reporters, “I was very surprised that Collins and Murkowski would do that… Pete’s a very, very good man. I hope he makes it; I hope he makes it.” Despite the President’s continued support, the Republican senators’ ‘no’ votes underscored the gravity of the concerns surrounding Hegseth’s nomination.
Adding to the opposition, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer urged his colleagues to vote against Hegseth’s confirmation. Schumer characterized Hegseth as “one of the most erratic, unqualified and unfit Cabinet nominees we have ever seen in modern times,” highlighting further controversy beyond the Republican dissent. He specifically pointed to “controversial remarks about women in the military” as another area of concern, in addition to the other allegations.
In conclusion, the question of “What Republicans Voted No For Pete Hegseth” is answered by identifying Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins. Their ‘no’ votes were driven by serious considerations regarding Hegseth’s past conduct, encompassing allegations of infidelity, sexual assault, and excessive drinking, showcasing a notable internal Republican resistance to this particular nomination. The Senate debate continued, leaving the ultimate outcome of Hegseth’s nomination still uncertain.
