Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell diverged from his
Republican colleagues on Friday by voting against the nomination of Pete
Hegseth as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), sparking
reactions from critics of former President Donald Trump.
Although McConnell and Trump have often been at odds, the
senator has taken actions that benefited Trump in the past, including his vote
to acquit the former president during his second impeachment trial following
the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. McConnell’s decision was part of a broader
Republican effort, with 43 other GOP senators also voting against convicting
Trump.
On Friday evening, Vice President JD Vance cast the
tie-breaking vote to confirm Hegseth’s nomination, following opposition from
McConnell and two other Republicans—Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan
Collins of Maine. With the GOP holding a slim Senate majority, Hegseth could
only afford to lose three Republican votes. McConnell’s "no" vote
forced Vance to intervene to secure the confirmation.
Trump, anticipating McConnell’s dissent, remarked earlier on
Friday, “Of course Mitch is always a no vote, I guess.”
McConnell explained his decision in a statement:
“Effective management of nearly 3 million military and civilian personnel, an
annual budget nearing $1 trillion, and maintaining alliances and partnerships
worldwide are immense responsibilities with profound consequences for U.S.
security and global stability. Mr. Hegseth has yet to demonstrate that he can
meet these challenges. As he assumes office, the stakes for failure are higher
than ever.”
The reaction to McConnell’s vote was mixed, with political
commentators expressing skepticism and frustration:
- Joanne
Carducci wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “When Mitch f***ing McConnell can
do the right thing and the rest of his so-called party can’t… you know
it’s a goddamn cult.”
- Wajahat
Ali added: “McConnell spent his life creating this crisis that will now
destroy America. Only at the end does he find a conscience.”
- Tara
Setmayer, co-founder and CEO of The Seneca Project, noted: “I have a hard
time giving McConnell any credit here since his NO vote is inconsequential
for Hegseth. He’s going to be confirmed anyway. I’ll give him credit when
his vote actually makes a difference.”
- Michael
A. Cohen commented: “When Mitch McConnell is the voice of wisdom in the
Republican Party... we are truly screwed as a country.”
Hegseth now faces the immense task of proving himself to
both the senators who opposed him and the American public. As Secretary of
Defense, he will navigate critical global challenges, including the
Russia-Ukraine war, tensions in the Middle East, and U.S. relations with China
and North Korea.
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