Two Republicans, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, broke ranks with Trump and his allies.
By Lisa Mascaro and Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated PressDefense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, from second left, Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi and Secretary of the Interior nominee former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, arrive before the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer implored his colleagues to think seriously, “Is this the best man we have to lead the greatest military in the world?”, said that his behaviors “starkly contrast” with what is expected of the U.S. military. She also noted his past statements that women should not fill military combat roles.
“Above all, I believe that character is the defining trait required of the Secretary of Defense, and must be prioritized without compromise,” she said.Rarely has a Cabinet choice encountered such swirling allegations of wrongdoing. Trump is standing by Hegseth, and the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee has dismissed the claims as factually inaccurate.
A new president’s national security nominees are often the first to be lined up for confirmation, to ensure U.S. safety at home and abroad. Already the Senate has overwhelmingly confirmed Marco Rubio as secretary of state in a unanimous vote, and it was on track to confirm John Ratcliffe as CIA director later Thursday.
Schumer said Thursday that Hegseth is unqualified for the job because of his personal behavior, including drinking, and his lack of experience. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, herself a combat veteran and sexual assault survivor, has signaled her backing.
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