Trump’s second-term nominee for Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth, cleared the first hurdle for Senate confirmation on the 23rd. Despite facing potential disqualification due to past allegations of sexual misconduct and drinking problems, Hegseth appears to have overcome this crisis, as the Republican Party’s votes have been solidified. The Senate passed the motion to end debate on his nomination by a vote of 51 to 49 during the full session that day.
The Senate currently consists of 53 Republicans and 47 Democrats, with two Republicans joining the Democrats in voting against the nomination. Moderates Rep. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) and Rep. Susan Collins (Maine) were among those who opposed Hegseth’s nomination. Prior to the vote, Rep. Murkowski posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Character is the most important quality required of the Secretary of Defence, and the nomination of Hegseth to this position raises significant concerns that cannot be ignored,” expressing her opposition.
With only two Republicans defecting in the procedural vote, only a formal vote remains for Hegseth’s confirmation. The New York Times and other U.S. media outlets predict that Hegseth will be confirmed unless additional defections occur during the vote, which is expected to take place in the afternoon of the 24th. Republican Senator Roger Wicker (Mississippi), who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee, has praised Hegseth as a strong candidate, noting that he is not bound by the status quo and is open to new ideas, according to The Hill, a congressional media outlet.