Lisa Murkowski says she can’t confirm Pete Hegseth as defense secretary

Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska made headlines on Thursday when she announced that she could not support Pete Hegseth as President Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense. In a detailed statement posted on X, Murkowski expressed her concerns about Hegseth’s suitability for the role in the current global security environment.

Murkowski cited several reasons for her decision, including allegations of infidelity, sexual assault, and excessive drinking against Hegseth. She also pointed to his previous comments on women serving in the military as troubling. In her view, these behaviors and statements demonstrate a lack of judgment that is unacceptable for someone tasked with leading the armed forces.

While Hegseth has admitted to past infidelity, he has vehemently denied the allegations of excessive drinking and sexual assault. Despite his denials, Murkowski remains unconvinced of his qualifications for the position of Secretary of Defense.

The decision by Senator Murkowski to withhold her support for Hegseth underscores the importance of thorough vetting and scrutiny in the confirmation process for such crucial roles in government. It also highlights the complexities and challenges of navigating political appointments in today’s contentious political climate.

For more updates and news on the latest developments in U.S. politics, follow Julia Johnson, a politics writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Julia leads coverage of the U.S. Senate and brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as a politics reporter at the Washington Examiner. Stay informed by following Julia’s reporting on X and sending tips to Julia.Johnson@fox.com.