
WASHINGTON — The Senate voted Thursday to advance Pete Hegseth's nomination to be President Donald Trump's defense secretary, putting him on a path to final confirmation at the end of the week. Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscription Get exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading. The vote was 51-49, with just two Republicans — moderate Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine — voting with all 47 Democrats to try to block Hegseth.
Main Idea: Pete Hegseth’s nomination to lead the Pentagon cleared a key Senate vote, putting him on track for final confirmation despite opposition from Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins.
Key Points:
A close Hegseth confirmation could raise worries about Pentagon leadership and military policy, which may unsettle voters and taxpayers if the department faces more conflict or instability.
A confirmed defense secretary could give the Pentagon clear leadership and reduce uncertainty for service members, communities, and defense workers.
Rate how each entity in this article affected the American people.
Central subject of the nomination story; the Senate vote directly advances his confirmation to lead the Pentagon.
One of only two Republicans voting against advancing Hegseth and the first Republican to publicly oppose the nomination.
His nominee is the focus of the article, and the confirmation outcome affects his administration.
Senate Armed Services Committee chairman who shepherded the nomination and publicly predicted confirmation.
Key Republican holdout whose concerns about Hegseth’s record are central to the vote count.
Top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, cited for requesting information and opposing the nomination.
Her reiterated support is relevant to the tight final vote count.
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Sign in to commentConfirmed support for Hegseth, making him part of the close vote calculus.
Confirmed she would vote in favor, affecting the confirmation tally.
A pivotal Republican whose vote and public comments on the allegations are part of the confirmation path.
Former sister-in-law whose sworn affidavit is cited in the article as part of the allegations.
Hegseth’s ex-wife, quoted in relation to allegations and denial of physical abuse.