Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) was one of three Republicans to vote for Pete Hegseth, who was narrowly confirmed Friday as secretary of defense in the new Trump administration.
Other Republican “no” votes came from moderate Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Susan Collins, R-Maine.
“The most consequential Cabinet official in any administration is the Secretary of Defense,” McConnell wrote, explaining his opposition to Hegs. “This position is even more important today in the face of the most serious threat to America’s national security interests since World War II.”
“Our major adversaries are working together in unison to undermine U.S. interests around the world,” he said. “And America’s military and defense industrial capabilities are insufficient to deter or win a major conflict with China or Russia, especially given the real risks of concurrent challenges from other adversaries like Iran and North Korea.” increasingly inadequate.”
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Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY.) speaks to reporters at a press conference following the weekly Senate Republican Policy Luncheon held at the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, DC, on November 19, 2024 (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) I’m asking a question from.
Hegseth, a former Fox News host, has previously been criticized for his infidelity, sexual assault allegations, allegations of excessive drinking, his previous comments against women serving in combat roles in the military and his leadership abilities. I was faced with doubts.
Hegs, who has been married three times, admits that he was a “serial cheater” before he became a Christian and married his current wife Jenny. He also originally opposed women in combat and later said that he only opposes standards for women in combat that are different from those of men. Hegseth has further denied the sexual assault allegations and said he would abstain from alcohol as defense secretary.
McConnell said the “dust on his boots” in reference to Hegseth’s military service “doesn’t even distinguish this candidate from his multiple predecessors over the past decade.” Nor is it a prerequisite for success. work. “
“Effective management of nearly 3 million military and civilian personnel, an annual budget of nearly $1 trillion, and alliances and partnerships around the world produce extraordinary results for the safety of Americans and our global interests. It’s a daily test,” the senator said. . “Mr. Hegseth has yet to demonstrate that he passes this test. But as he takes office, the consequences of failure are as high as ever.”
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Pete Hegseth testifies during a Senate Armed Services Confirmation Hearing on Capitol Hill on January 14, 2025 in Washington, DC (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images).
McConnell said in testimony before the Armed Services Committee that Hegseth “faces a coordinated attack from an adversary that shatters the orders that underpin America’s security and prosperity in this reality.” “We did not take this reality into account,” he said.
“President Trump has rightly called on our NATO allies to spend more on our collective defense. But the nominee charged with leading that effort is McConnell said he would not even commit to growing American defense investment beyond that.
The senator also said Hegseth’s testimony is “devoid of any substantive observations on how to defend Taiwan or the Philippines against a Chinese attack, or whether he even thinks the United States should do so.” McConnell said Hegseth had failed to articulate in detail a strategic vision for addressing the most significant long-term threat emanating from China.
Pete Hegseth upon completion of his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee at the Capitol on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 in Washington (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
McConnell further noted that there was no “substantive discussion” involving deeper alliances and broader defense-industrial cooperation of our own to counter enemy attacks.
“Of course, this is due to change,” McConnell said. “As the 29th Secretary of Defense, Mr. Hegseth will soon be tested by the ongoing conflict caused by Russian aggression in Europe and Iranian-backed terrorism in the Middle East. – Further readiness of our military Risk of injury.”
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“By all accounts, brave young men and women join the military with the understanding that it is a meritocracy,” he added. “This precious trust will only endure as long as legitimate civilian leadership upholds what must be a firewall between the military and politics. The Biden administration has failed in this fundamental challenge. For the people of
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