Maine Independent U.S. Senator Angus King is not supporting President Trump’s nominee for Defense Secretary, voting against the confirmation of Pete Hegseth in the Senate Armed Services Committee.
King joined the 12 Democrats on the committee while all 14 Republican committee members endorsed Hegseth, who will now go before the full Senate for approval.
Senator King said Hegseth failed to embrace international laws of warfare that ban torture, such as the Geneva Convention and did not express his support for Ukraine in its war against Russia.
He also questioned Hegseth’s ability to lead the Defense Department, given his thin background in management
“Nor did he explain how his spotty professional career in non-profit management or broadcasting prepares him to run one of the largest and most complicated organizations in the world,” King said in a prepared statement.
Senator KIng did not mention issues brought up by Democrats about Hegseth, including accusations of sexual assault and heavy drinking.
Hegseth’s nomination now goes before the GOP controlled Senate, which could bring attention to Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins, who has not taken a position on Hegseth.
He can only afford to lose three GOP votes if all Democrats vote against him. .
Hegseth could be the first of several of controversial Trump nominees to go before the full Senate. The body voted unanimously to endorse Florida Republican Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State.
