Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) expressed her surprise at Trump’s nomination of Hegseth by saying, "Wow I'm just surprised because the names that I've heard for Secretary of Defense have not included him." She highlighted that there were other names circulating that were more expected for the position, emphasizing the unexpected nature of this choice.
In a statement, Trump noted, "I am honored to announce that I have nominated Pete Hegseth to serve as The Secretary of Defense. Pete has spent his entire life as a Warrior for the Troops, and for the Country. Pete is tough, smart and a true believer in America First." This statement reflects Trump's intention to align military leadership with his administration's priorities.
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) demonstrated confusion regarding the nomination, simply asking, "Who?" This indicates a level of unfamiliarity with Hegseth among some Republican senators, showcasing a potential divide in support.
Conversely, Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) provided a supportive perspective by describing Hegseth as an "impressive individual," which suggests that despite mixed reactions, there are GOP members who view Hegseth positively and acknowledge his qualifications.
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