In a 51-to-50 voting, Vice President Vance had to move in to make the tiebreak and Pete Hegseth was chosen as the next Secretary of Defense.
Lisa Murkowski (R-Ak. ) and Susan Collins (R-Maine ) had already signaled their intention to oppose Hegseth’s confirmation, so Hegseth’s fate came down to the votes of Sens. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky. ) and Thom Tillis (R-N. C. ).  ,
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McConnell voted against Hegseth, and Tillis finally chose to support Hegseth’s election.  ,
McConnell outlined his sights on the value of the Secretary of Defense part in a lengthy statement explaining his voting. He pointed out the heightened risks to U. S. regional security, noting the increasing cooperation among enemies such as China and Russia, and lamenting America’s declining military preparation.  ,
The management of nearly 3 million military and civilian personnel, a budget of nearly$ 1 trillion, and alliances and partnerships around the world are a daily test that have astronomical effects on the security of the United States and our global interests, McConnell said in the statement. ” Mr. Hegseth has failed, as yet, to show that he will pass this test. However, as he takes office, the effects of failing are as severe as they have ever been.
McConnell’s speech emphasized the value of qualified leadership at the Pentagon and provided details on the significant responsibilities that come with overseeing the military forces and the complexity of military government. He made reference to famous historical figures who experienced similar forces, demonstrating that being a” change agent” is not nearly enough to fill such a critical position.
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McConnell has frequently defended Republican attacks because he did play a significant role in the advancement of President Trump’s judicial nominations during his first name and had the guts to thwart Merrick Garland’s Supreme Court nomination in 2016.  ,
I am willing to acknowledge that Hegseth may have legitimate issues. However, I am aware that Lloyd Austin appeared great on paper but remained a crisis.  ,
Even the status quo is the issue.
Think about this: McConnell voted to ensure Austin, as well as Merrick Garland for Attorney General. Yet he don’t voting for Hegseth? McConnell also voted to name Pete Buttigieg as travel secretary. So let’s not assume that he’s a sucker for knowledge.
McConnell’s problems may have been sincere, but it’s difficult to see it that when, after the voting was over, he was spotted mingling with Senate Democrats.
NEW: Mitch McConnell seen waddling over to get shake arms with the Democrats after voting’ NO’ for Pete Hegseth’s assurance.
JD Vance had to make the last tie-breaking decision due to the circumstance.
The following four years will be a battle. photograph. twitter.com/phfV6Did9C
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg ) January 25, 2025
Why did McConnell join Democrats in the wake of the ballot if he really cares about the concerns he cited in his speech? Democrats used propaganda against Hegseth and held him to criteria they don’t hold their own contenders to. It was all a present of opposition to Trump—and McConnell joined the weight. Although it was poor sufficiently to vote for Hegseth, it was even worse to become a buddy-buddy with Democrats afterward. It revealed who he really is.
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After criticizing Hegseth, McConnell stated in his speech,” I wish Secretary Hegseth great success and I look forward to working closely with him to restore American difficult power.” ” Every member of the armed services may be looking to him for significant, principled, and democratic leadership”.
