Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski will be a “no” vote on the nomination of Pete Hegseth for the Secretary of Defense. She said his drinking, infidelity, and the accusations against him were factors in her decision:
“Since Mr. Hegseth’s nomination last November, I have met with him and carefully reviewed his writings, various reports, and other pertinent materials. I closely followed his hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee and gathered substantial feedback from organizations, veterans, and Alaskans. After thorough evaluation, I must conclude that I cannot in good conscience support his nomination for Secretary of Defense. I did not make this decision lightly; I take my constitutional responsibility to provide advice and consent with the utmost seriousness,” she said.
Murkowski voted to back 12 Biden nominees for his cabinet.
“I commend Pete Hegseth’s service to our nation, including leading troops in combat and advocating for our veterans. However, these accomplishments do not alleviate my significant concerns regarding his nomination. 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. His leadership of two veteran organizations was marked with accusations of financial mismanagement and problems with the workplace culture he fostered,” she said.
Murkowski voted to confirm Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who oversaw the withdrawal and death of troops from Afghanistan and later disappeared for days, not telling anyone — even the White House — that he was in the hospital for a serious medical condition that required him to undergo surgery. He had not named a person to take over while he was unconscious.
“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. 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,” Murkowski continued.
“While the allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking do nothing to quiet my concerns, the past behaviors Mr. Hegseth has admitted to, including infidelity on multiple occasions, demonstrate a lack of judgment that is unbecoming of someone who would lead our armed forces. These behaviors starkly contrast the values and discipline expected of servicemembers. Men and women in uniform are held accountable for such actions, and they deserve leaders who uphold these same standards,” Murkowski said.
Murkowski voted to confirm Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, who led the reign of terror against Alaska’s economy during the past four years, halting every form of energy and resource development.
“Above all, I believe that character is the defining trait required of the Secretary of Defense, and must be prioritized without compromise. The leader of the Department of Defense must demonstrate and model the standards of behavior and character we expect of all servicemembers, and Mr. Hegseth’s nomination to the role poses significant concerns that I cannot overlook. Given the global security environment we’re operating in, it is critical that we confirm a Secretary of Defense, however, I regret that I am unable to support Mr. Hegseth.”
Yep. Even his ex wife was hiding from him in a closet. sounds kinda like the boy is out of control.
She smells (conspired) enough support in resistance to begin their games.
This isn’t news. It’s a day ending in Y.
She must love Trump deeply to be this mad at him.
Until the GOP learns to control or expel its people, it will continue on the road to irrelevancy.
Shocker!!!
I have known a lot of people who have reformed and redeemed themselves as they matured. There is great value in one so reformed and redeemed in that they are able to recognize similar failings in those they manage and perhaps better judge how characters are, or are not, genuinely matured. I see many others tend to hold people’s pasts against them. Being so strident and strictly judgmental can be very limiting and unwise.
Lisa is a traitor to the USA and Alaska. Any chance of getting her committed to the insane facilities?
Yep, she had no problem voting for yes for Joey’s cabinet nominations. Maybe this will be the final straw that bounces her out in 2028 but I’m not holding my breath.
I believe character is the defining trait of a us senator also Lisa. You were elected by republicans and have fully turned your back on us.
Pete is a good soldier, a good husband, a good father and a good leader, America loves people like him!
Translation: “I can’t make any money off him.”
Murkowski envisions a Benedict Arnold level nominee like Mark Milley.
Honestly is this any surprise? She doesn’t like Trump and it’s widely known. Time for her to be voted out! TERM LIMITS Alaska!
Surprise! Said no one ever. She broke with Republicans to vote yes on 12 of Biden’s nominees. She enthusiastically voted to confirm the last SECDEF Lloyd Austin who oversaw the disastrous surrender in Afghanistan that saw 13 Marines blown up and billions in American hardware handed over to the Taliban and ISIS. Lisa has to go. She needs to be Cheneyed. The sooner the better. Such a disgrace.
Well … Dady’s Little Princess does a pretty good job justifying her flawed argument, offers no reasonable alternatives, has no respect for Trump to create ‘his’ Administrative Team and totally disrespects the overwhelming majority of the Alaskans (55%) that voted for Trump. Additionally, she wants us to willfully forget she unabashedly voted in-favor of all the freaks and traitors from Bidens Administration.
She is a complete disgrace (ie: Air Thief) and does not deserve the opportunity to represent Alaska and Alaskans, she will continue to be an ardent Anti-Trump’er, completely infected with Trump Derangement Syndrome, with no awareness of the potential damage her actions bring about to Alaskans and Alaska.
One has to seriously ask whom does she really works for and/or represents? Obviously, her reckless decisions and mindset is not in the best interest of us. She’s emblematic of the unhinged – cringed – lunatic … “Karen the Kat Lady!”
The “sick” minded witch of the North is lecturing about character? Honesty? Who’s in denial? Women in combat? Lying? Assault of another human being? She said she takes her constitutional duties seriously and Mr. Hegseth does not? Wow! Noticed the photo of Murkie is on spot. There is an ugly Totem right behind her. Whoever carved that definitely had her in mind. It absolutely fits her image and her character. I think the artists have a talent for putting character to tool when they carve images for their patrons of personal art. My oh my Murkie is an angry woman. That goes with supporting persons like Biden, her buddy in crime.
She doesn’t regret her actions. She fully intends to stonewall President Trump at every chance she can.
She is an embarrassment!
Actually a halfway decent explanation of her downvote on Hegseth, except for the “allegations” part..allegations and truth aren’t alway riding the same pony. This latest 👎 lacks historical credibility as it pretty much flys in the face of her certain previous confirmation votes..consistency of application really isn’t her strength, alignment with left wing votes is a more consistent characteristic of Lisa..
No surprise from our democrat Senator. She uses no consideration of the people’ opinion she is supposed to represent in her decision making process, just her own personal opinions. The good news is that the conservatives have enough majority in the Senate to hopefully neutralize her and Collins. Alaskans need to show her the door and elect a true conservative and someone that listens to their constituents and actually represents us.
Pleeeeaaassee vote her out!
I am shocked I tell you! Shocked that a Democrat votes against Trump’s appointee.