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Senate Moves to Confirm Defense Secretary Nominee Pete Hegseth Amid Controversy
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has initiated the process to confirm Pete Hegseth as the next Secretary of Defense, aiming for a conclusion by the end of the week. The nomination has fueled significant debate, particularly following the emergence of serious allegations against Hegseth, including claims of substance abuse and abusive behavior towards his ex-wife, Samantha Hegseth, as detailed in an affidavit from his former sister-in-law, which was disclosed by Senate Democrats.
In response to the allegations, Samantha Hegseth publicly denied any instances of physical abuse during their marriage, stating to NBC News, “There was no physical abuse.” This statement has become a focal point amidst the scrutinizing landscape of Hegseth’s nomination, with Senate Republicans moving swiftly to advance his confirmation.
On Tuesday, Thune filed a motion to conclude the debate regarding Hegseth’s nomination, which was narrowly approved by the Senate Armed Services Committee with a 14-13 party-line vote shortly after President Trump took office. Senators are set to cast votes to advance Hegseth’s nomination on Thursday, with a final confirmation vote expected either on Friday or potentially early Saturday.
Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) expressed readiness among Republicans to continue discussions into the weekend to ensure Hegseth’s confirmation. He commented, “The next would be on cloture, and that would be Thursday afternoon,” while also downplaying the significance of the allegations raised in the affidavit, stating, “I have not reviewed the document. My reaction is that I have grave doubts as to the substance.” Wicker emphasized that Samantha Hegseth’s denial of physical abuse carries weight in the discussion surrounding the nomination.
Despite the controversy, Wicker confidently projected that the nomination would proceed without major obstacles, alluding to possible Democratic efforts to postpone the final vote until late Friday night.
Support for Hegseth from some Senate Republicans remains strong. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) dismissed the accusations articulated in the affidavit, reiterating his intention to support Hegseth based on Samantha Hegseth’s denial of abuse. “You got the person who denies being physically abused. That’s it for me,” he remarked, signaling his dismissal of the claims.
Conversely, Democrats argue that the newly surfaced affidavit provides further evidence that Hegseth is not suitable for leading the Pentagon. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, underscored the affidavit’s credibility and significance, stating that it reinforces the argument against Hegseth’s nomination. He expressed concern, asserting, “There was no question that Pete Hegseth is unqualified and unprepared to be Secretary of Defense.”
As the Senate gears up for Hegseth’s nomination, they will first take action on the confirmation of former representative John Ratcliffe (R-Texas) to lead the CIA. This comes after a prior attempt to confirm Ratcliffe faced opposition from Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), emphasizing his desire for a thorough debate on nominations tied to national security, especially regarding candidates with contentious backgrounds.
Thune confirmed expectations for a procedural vote on Hegseth’s nomination to proceed on Thursday, with a possible final vote slated for late Friday or early Saturday morning, setting the stage for a contentious confirmation process.
Source
thehill.com