Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Latest News

Trump ‘very surprised’ at Collins, Murkowski over Hegseth vote

President Donald Trump took notice on Friday of two old sparring partners — Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), who voted against advancing Pete Hegseth’s Defense secretary nomination Thursday.

“I was very surprised that Collins and Murkowski would do that,” Trump told reporters as he left the White House on Friday.

The two moderate Republicans vote with their party most of the time, but came under intense scrutiny during the first Trump administration because of their willingness to break ranks on some high-profile votes, including Cabinet and judicial nominees and a high-stakes GOP health care plan.

Thursday’s vote suggested Collins and Murkowski are ready to assume their old role as sometime skeptics. But their GOP colleagues are quick to defend the pair, noting they largely vote with the majority and are able to win states that would be out of reach for other Republicans.

Trump’s comments come a day after he was asked in the Oval Office about their no votes on Hegseth, responding, “No surprises there.” Trump on Friday also appeared to suggest that former GOP Leader Mitch McConnell was a “no” vote on Hegseth. The Kentucky Republican voted to advance Hegseth’s nomination on Thursday. A final vote on Hegseth is expected Friday night.

Irrespective of Trump’s comments, Collins and Murkowski privately told Senate GOP leadership about their intention to vote against Hegseth. Unlike at some points in Trump’s first administration, opposition from the two is not enough to sink a nominee. Hegseth can lose three GOP senators as long as Vice President JD Vance is available to break a tie.

Asked if he had notified the White House about who might oppose Hegseth, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said on Friday that “obviously they have a vested interest in all of this so we’ve been communicating with them.”

Enter Your Information Below To Receive Latest News, And Articles.

    Your information is secure and your privacy is protected. By opting in you agree to receive emails from us. Remember that you can opt-out any time, we hate spam too!

    You May Also Like

    Stock

    UnitedHealthcare on Thursday tapped company veteran Tim Noel as its new CEO following the targeted killing of its former top executive, Brian Thompson, in Manhattan in...

    Stock

    Universal is hoping the excitement around “Wicked” can hang around — for good. The movie studio faces a unique challenge: promote and release two build-on...

    Latest News

    Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida was confirmed Monday as secretary of State, the first of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks to take office. In...

    Latest News

    With TikTok back online after shutting off for less than a day, the company embarked on an inaugural weekend goodwill tour aimed at incoming...