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

Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski announced that she would not back President Donald Trump’s controversial Pentagon nominee, and Maine Senator Susan Collins has also voiced her disapproval.

The Senate narrowly advanced the nomination of Pete Hegseth as President Donald Trump’s defense secretary on Thursday in a 51-49 vote, moving him one step closer to confirmation despite fierce objections from Senate Democrats and mounting unease among some Republicans.

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

Senators voted 51-49 to advance Hegseth's defense secretary bid, which has been mired in a series of controversies. Two Republicans are opposed to Hegseth.

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.

The Alaska Republican plans to vote against the confirmation of Pete Hegseth to lead the Department of Defense.

The Senate advanced the nomination of Pete Hegseth as President Donald Trump's defense secretary Thursday on a largely party-line vote, despite grave objections from Democrats and stirring unease

Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Pentagon, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that he paid $50,000 as part of a confidentiality agreement to a woman who alleged he sexually assaulted her,

The full Senate voted 51-49 on Thursday to advance Hegseth's nomination, paving the way for a final confirmation vote Friday.

Alaska U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski on Thursday announced on social media that she would vote against confirming Pete Hegseth to lead the U.S. Department of Defense.