Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska became the first Republican to come out against Pete Hegseth’s nomination to become the Secretary of Defense.
In a lengthy statement posted on X/Twitter, Murkowski explained why she would not vote to confirm him, saying she watched his confirmation hearing closely and heard feedback from constituents.
“After thorough evaluation, I must conclude that I cannot in good conscience support his nomination for Secretary of Defense,” she said. “I did not make this decision lightly; I take my constitutional responsibility to provide advice and consent with the utmost seriousness.”
Murkowski has repeatedly criticized President Donald Trump, having voted to convict him for his actions during the January 6 riot. Earlier this week, she criticized Trump’s decision to pardon violent and nonviolent rioters.
The Alaska Republican said that despite his military service, Hegseth lacked the necessary experience to run the Pentagon.
“Managing the Department of Defense requires vast experience and expertise as the department is one of the most complex and powerful organizations in the world, and Mr. Hegseth’s prior roles in his career do not demonstrate to me that he is prepared for such immense responsibility,” she said. “His leadership of two veteran organizations was marked with accusations of financial mismanagement and problems with the workplace culture he fostered.”
Murkowski has said she wanted to know more about Robert F. Kennedy Jr., saying she asked him about his debunked views that autism is linked to childhood vaccinations.
Earlier this week, the Senate voted on the motion to proceed for Hegseth’s confirmation. During his hearing, numerous Democratic senators asked him about his previous writing that women should not serve in combat roles, which Murkowski cited as part of the reason she would not vote for Hegseth.
“Although he has recently revised his statements on women in combat since being nominated, I remain concerned about the message that confirming Mr. Hegseth sends to women currently serving and those aspiring to join,” she said. “Women have served our nation with distinction, overcoming immense obstacles to excel in combat and leadership roles, and they deserve to know that their leader honors and values their commitment to our nation.”
