Statements from Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine set the stage for a close vote on Friday.

WASHINGTON — Sen. Lisa Murkowski announced Thursday she will vote against confirming Pete Hegseth to lead the Pentagon, becoming the first Republican to oppose one of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks.

Donald Trump's pick for Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, is facing stiff criticism from Democrats—but most Republicans back him.

Republicans are confident that Hegseth, who has been accused of alcohol and domestic abuse, will ultimately be confirmed to lead the Pentagon.

Senators voted 51-49 to advance Hegseth's defense secretary bid, which has been mired in several controversies. Two Republicans oppose him.

Moderate GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska has broken her silence, saying she won't be voting to confirm Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski said Thursday she will vote against Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth, who is facing a barrage of accusations about his personal conduct, making the Alaska Republican the first in her party to oppose one of President Donald Trump’s cabinet picks.

Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump's pick to lead the Pentagon, cleared a key procedural hurdle in the Senate on Thursday to advance his nomination.

The Senate has advanced the nomination of Pete Hegseth as President Donald Trump’s defense secretary. Thursday's vote pushed Hegseth toward confirmation, despite grave objections from Democrats and st

Two Republican senators publicly announced they would vote against the confirmation of Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump’s cabinet pick for defense secretary.

Pete Hegseth is on track to be secretary of defense, despite Murkowski's opposition. He has denied multiple allegations of alcohol abuse, financial mismanagement and violence against women.