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Former Republican Mitch Mcconnell (Ky.) Republican leader, who resigned at the end of last year, voted by surprise on Friday night against Pete Hegseth, the controversial candidate for President Trump to run the Department of Defense. .
His vote was a surprise after he voted on Thursday night to advance the Hegseth nomination to a final vote.
McConnell said he did not trust Hegseth’s ability to lead the Pentagon at a time of climbing the national security threats proposed by Russia, China, Iran and its representatives.
“Effective management of about 3 million military and civil staff, an annual budget of almost $ 1 trillion and alliances and associations worldwide is a daily test with amazing consequences for the safety of the US people and the Our global interests, “he said. a statement.
“Mr. Hegseth has not yet shown that this test will happen. But as he takes office, the consequences of failure are as great as never before, “he said.
McConnell said hegseth during his confirmation audience “did not provide any substantial observation on how to defend Taiwan or the Philippines against a Chinese attack, not even if he believes that the United States.”
He said that Hegseth also did not “fail” by articulating in any detail a strategic vision to counteract the increase in Chinese aggression in the Far East.
“There was also no substantial discussion to counteract the alignment of our adversaries with deep alliance relationships and more industrial cooperation of wider defense,” he said.
The veteran Kentucky legislator had played his cards near the vest and said nothing as he entered the chamber.
Asked by journalists if he would support Trump’s choice to run the Pentagon, he only raised his eyebrows in a mysterious gesture.
McConnell joined his fellow republican senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) to oppose Hegseth in the final vote, forcing Vice President Vance to present himself at the Senate House to broadcast. the vote of tie -break to get the candidate assault cross the finish line.
The chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) He understood before the vote that there could be some night drama.
When asked if Hegseth had the votes, Wicker said, “I think we will probably have to see the vice president.”
Hegseth’s nomination received objections from Collins and Murkowski, as well as many high democrats about his lack of managerial experience.
Collins said in a statement on Thursday that he was “worried that Mr Hegseth does not have the management experience and the background he will need to deal The Middle East and Europe. and “climbing threats” to the Pacific.
Hegseth had faced allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman at a republican conference in Monterery, California, in 2017, who poorly managed the finances of two groups of veteran leaders and was embedded in work events and while wearing. The army. uniform.
Hegseth has promised Republican senators that he would stop drinking if he is confirmed as Secretary of Defense.
Updated at 10:01
