Former Fox News host Pete Hegseth's journey to becoming the next Secretary of Defense encounters another critical milestone in his confirmation process.
According to Fox News, Hegseth cleared a significant procedural hurdle on Thursday with a 51-49 Senate vote to invoke cloture, setting the stage for up to 30 hours of debate before his final confirmation vote.
The nomination has sparked intense debate within the Senate, with Republican Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska breaking ranks to vote against advancing his confirmation.
Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has emerged as a vocal opponent, urging fellow Republicans to join in opposing the nomination.
Recent developments have cast a shadow over Hegseth's nomination, with his former sister-in-law, Danielle Hegseth, submitting an affidavit alleging alcohol abuse concerns.
The document suggests that Hegseth's behavior occasionally made his second wife, Samantha, fear for her safety, though Danielle acknowledged never personally witnessing any physical or sexual abuse.
Senate Armed Services Chair Roger Wicker has staunchly defended the nomination, dismissing recent media reports about FBI background investigations as "starkly and factually inaccurate." Wicker's statement emphasized his continued support for Hegseth after three separate FBI briefings regarding the background check.
The 44-year-old Army National Guard veteran's personal life has come under intense scrutiny, including his admission of being a "serial cheater" before his current marriage to Jenny, his third wife. Despite these revelations, Hegseth maintains support from key Republican figures.
Hegseth's potential leadership of the Defense Department has raised significant policy concerns among lawmakers. His stated opposition to different combat standards for women and his commitment to eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the military have become focal points of controversy.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed his strong opposition, stating:
Hegseth is so utterly unqualified, he ranks up there [as] … one of the very worst nominees that could be put forward. People's lives depend on it — civilians and, of course, the men and women in the armed services — and Pete Hegseth has shown himself not only incapable of running a large organization, he often shows himself incapable of showing up or showing up in a way where he could get anything done.
Hegseth's military background includes tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, though his relatively junior rank of major upon retirement has drawn criticism regarding his preparedness for the role. However, supporters argue that his outsider status could be beneficial in implementing desired changes within the Pentagon establishment.
The Defense Secretary nomination of Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host and Army National Guard veteran, has reached a decisive phase in the Senate confirmation process.
The 51-49 procedural vote advancement comes amid serious allegations about his personal conduct and questions about his qualifications to lead the Department of Defense. With up to 30 hours of debate ahead before the final confirmation vote, lawmakers must weigh concerns about his past behavior and policy positions against his vision for military leadership and reform.
