Pete Hegseth Allegations Strain Senate Vote

Democratic Representative Jennifer McClellan of Virginia talks about Pete Hegseth's nomination as Defense secretary and the president's action to end DEI programs in the federal government and military. She speaks with Bloomberg's Joe Mathieu and Kailey Leinz.

Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski said Thursday she won’t support Pete Hegseth’s Defense Secretary nomination, the first GOP senator to publicly oppose confirmation.

Four Republican senators would have to oppose Hegseth in order to derail his nomination if Democrats unite against confirmation.

The Senate plans a procedural vote Thursday afternoon that will provide a test of his support.

Hegesth has faced criticism that he lacks high-level experience and he has been dogged by allegations of alcohol abuse, sexual misconduct and financial mismanagement of organizations he previously led. Hegseth has denied the allegations.

Murkowski said in a social media post that Hegseth’s record, including admissions of marital infidelity, demonstrates “a lack of judgment that is unbecoming of someone who would lead our armed forces.”

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