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Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer delivered a scathing critique of President Trump’s defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth on Thursday, describing him as one of the most unfit candidates ever proposed for the position.
The Senate narrowly approved Hegseth’s advancement toward final confirmation with a 51-49 vote, with Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins breaking ranks to oppose the nomination. The decisive confirmation vote could take place as soon as Friday evening.
“Pete Hegseth is so utterly unqualified; he ranks up there with vote as one of the very worst nominees that could be put forward,” Schumer said on the Senate floor. “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.”
No position in the Cabinet carries the weight and the responsibility of Secretary of Defense.
But Pete Hegseth is one of the most unqualified and erratic nominees for a position we have ever seen in America.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) January 23, 2025
The nomination has faced significant resistance since Trump first announced Hegseth as his choice in November. Both Democrats and some Republicans have expressed concerns about his unconventional background, alleged issues with alcohol use, and controversial statements regarding women serving in combat roles.
Throughout his career, Hegseth has consistently pushed for the elimination of what he describes as “woke” military policies. He advocates for a complete restructuring of the military’s contemporary progressive initiatives and supports removing the senior leadership responsible for implementing these changes.
“He is so out of the mainstream and so unqualified for DOD that I am hopeful we will get our Republican colleagues to join us. There’ll be a vote this afternoon,” Schumer said.