Republicans Vote Against Pete Hegseth; Trump Surveys California Wildfire Damage
Vice President JD Vance has arrived at the Senate, where he will likely have to cast a tiebreaking vote on Hegseth’s nomination. Vance, who served as a senator from Ohio until shortly before assuming the vice presidency, joked about the possibility of having to return to the Senate floor as the prospect of a tied vote on Hegseth’s nomination looms. So far, three Republicans and all Democrats who have voted have cast votes against Hegseth, while all other Republicans who have cast votes have voted in the affirmative. If the outstanding votes fall along party lines, Vance will be called upon to cast the tiebreaking vote.
As the Senate was already voting, Hegseth posted a public letter to Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., responding to Tillis’ call for Hegseth to provide a “detailed response” to his former sister-in-law Danielle Dietrich Hegseth’s affidavit detailing Hegseth’s alleged behavior towards his second wife. Hegseth has denied the allegations, and Hegseth’s second wife, Samantha Hegseth, has said in a statement to NBC News that there was no physical abuse during their marriage. In a 2021 order in their divorce proceeding, both parties noted that “neither parent claims to be a victim of domestic abuse.” Tillis posted his own response on X about five minutes after Hegseth’s letter was posted, saying he would support his nomination.
Sen. Mitch McConnell voted against the nomination of Hegseth to be secretary of defense. If one more Republican and all Democrats vote against Hegseth, his candidacy will have been defeated. If all other Republicans vote for Hegseth and Democrats remain against him, it could result in a 50-50 tie, which would then be broken by the vice president.
Murkowski, Collins Vote Against Hegseth’s Nomination, as Expected
Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, two Republican moderates, voted against Hegseth’s nomination, as was expected. So far, they are the only two Republicans to vote against Hegseth in the final confirmation vote.
Hegseth’s Confirmation Vote is Underway
The vote in the full Senate on Hegseth’s nomination as defense secretary is now underway.
Marco Rubio had a call with Denmark’s Foreign Minister, did not appear to discuss Greenland
Secretary of State Marco Rubio had a call with Denmark’s foreign minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, today, according to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce. Rubio and Rasmussen “reaffirmed the strength of the relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Denmark,” and the two discussed the importance of “bilateral and regional cooperation on security and defense, economic and trade matters, and ending the war in Ukraine,” according to Bruce. Notably, the readout from the State Department did not include any mention of Greenland — the Danish territory Trump has indicated in recent weeks he might seek to take over, even suggesting he might use military force to do so.
Hegseth Arrives at Capitol Before Confirmation Vote
Hegseth arrived at the Capitol moments ago accompanied by his seven children, wife, and parents. Hegseth did not answer any questions on whether he believes he will be confirmed or whether he’s spoken with skeptical senators, but he did give a thumbs-up when asked how he’s feeling. The final confirmation vote on Hegseth’s nomination is slated to start at 8:57 p.m. ET.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio Orders Halt to Almost All U.S. Foreign Aid
Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered an immediate stop to the flow of almost all U.S. foreign assistance today pending a review, according to an internal State Department cable obtained by NBC News. The directive sent to all consular and diplomatic posts follows Trump’s executive order Monday pausing new obligations and disbursements of foreign aid pending reviews “for programmatic efficiency and consistency” with U.S. foreign policy, within 90 days of the order. The memo stipulates that U.S. departments, agencies, and entities “shall not provide foreign assistance funded by or through the Department and USAID without the Secretary of State’s authorization or the authorization of his designee.” Read the full story here.