Senate Advances Hegseth's Defense Nomination Despite GOP Opposition

Jan 23, 2025, 08:15 PM

The U.S. Senate voted 51-49 on Thursday to advance the nomination of Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host and military veteran, as President Donald Trump's pick for Secretary of Defense, overcoming a key procedural hurdle and setting up a final confirmation vote expected around 9 p.m. on Friday. Republican Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska joined all Democrats in opposing the motion to invoke cloture, reflecting bipartisan concerns over allegations of misconduct against Hegseth. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell voted in favor of advancing the nomination. Despite the opposition, Hegseth is expected to be confirmed, as he can afford to lose one more Republican vote before Vice President J.D. Vance would need to break a tie.