Trump told reporters he was "surprised" Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins planned to vote against former Fox News host Pete Hegseth's nomination to lead the Defense Department.

The Senate is muscling Pete Hegseth’s nomination as defense secretary toward confirmation. The Republican senators are prioritizing the former Fox News host and combat veteran’s vow to create a “warrior culture” at the Pentagon over allegations of heavy drinking and aggressive behavior toward women.

President Donald Trump said he was “surprised” that Republican Sens. Susan Collins (Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) voted to oppose Pete Hegseth’s defense secretary nomination.

Republicans are confident that Hegseth, who has been accused of alcohol and domestic abuse, will ultimately be confirmed to lead the Pentagon.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska became the first Republican to come out against Pete Hegseth ’s nomination to become the Secretary of Defense.

Donald Trump's pick for Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, is facing stiff criticism from Democrats—but most Republicans back him.

The U.S. Senate will vote on Pete Hegseth's nomination for defense secretary after two Republicans pulled their support

A Princeton and Harvard-educated former combat veteran, Hegseth went on to make a career at Fox News, where he hosted a weekend show. Trump tapped him as the defense secretary to lead an organization with nearly 2.1 million service members, about 780,000 civilians and a budget of $850 billion.

Moderate GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska has broken her silence, saying she won't be voting to confirm Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense.

Pete Hegseth is on track to be secretary of defense, despite Murkowski's opposition. He has denied multiple allegations of alcohol abuse, financial mismanagement and violence against women.

Senator Lisa Murkowski has voiced her opposition to Pete Hegseth’s nomination for Secretary of Defense, citing concerns over his experience and conduct. The Senate is set to vote soon.