Trump Surprised by Collins and Murkowski's Vote Against Hegseth's Nomination for Secretary of Defense, Expects McConnell's Opposition

Jan 24, 2025, 02:45 PM

President Donald Trump expressed surprise at Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski voting against ending debate on Pete Hegseth's nomination for Secretary of Defense, according to statements made to reporters as he departed the White House for North Carolina and California. Trump described Hegseth as a 'very good man' and expressed hope for his confirmation, despite the uncertainty surrounding the vote. He also mentioned his expectation that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell would oppose Hegseth's nomination.