GOP Divided? Here’s How Many Republican Senators Are Blocking Hegseth’s Defense Secretary Bid
Pete Hegseth’s nomination as defense secretary is proving to be one of the most contentious battles on Capitol Hill. While Hegseth, a decorated combat veteran and former Fox News host, brings qualifications to the role, his nomination has been dogged by allegations of sexual misconduct, binge drinking, and financial mismanagement—claims largely dismissed as baseless by his supporters.
Initially, reports suggested the path forward for Hegseth might be rocky, with rumors swirling of internal GOP opposition. However, sources close to the situation paint a different picture: zero Senate Republicans are outright opposing his nomination. According to insiders, the allegations against Hegseth are little more than politically motivated smears aimed at derailing a strong Trump loyalist.
“There are zero ‘nos’ right now,” a Republican source told the New York Post, criticizing the attacks as “BS.” Even amid the media frenzy, Hegseth has maintained his confidence, vowing to “never back down” under pressure.
Despite this optimism, skepticism remains. Reports indicate that at least six Republican senators have privately expressed reservations. Figures like Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, and John Curtis (Mitt Romney’s successor) are known for breaking ranks in the past, leading some to fear a repeat of the Kavanaugh confirmation drama, where key senators wavered under media and activist pressure.
“For every anonymous ‘source’ making an unfounded claim about Hegseth, there are twice as many colleagues and former colleagues who are putting their names publicly on record to refute the defamatory, meritless slander,” another Senate aide emphasized.
As Hegseth makes his case to GOP senators, his nomination is shaping up to be a litmus test for party unity and loyalty to Trump’s agenda. Whether he secures confirmation may hinge on whether Republicans hold firm or buckle under the weight of political theatrics.
Mark Van der Veen offers some of the most analytical and insightful writings on politics. He regularly opines on the motives and political calculations of politicians and candidates, and whether or not their strategy will work. Van der Veen offers a contrast to many on this list by sticking mainly to a fact-based style of writing that is generally combative with opposing ideologies.
Of CURSE the GOP is divided…most of them are DEMOCRATS!
When are the states that keep sending these RINOs back each time going to wake up and cancel them?