NEW: Lisa Murkowski refuses to support Pete Hegseth

Murkowski posted to X, "The leader of the Department of Defense must demonstrate and model the standards of behavior and character we expect of all servicemembers, and Mr. Hegseth’s nomination to the role poses significant concerns that I cannot overlook. Given the global security environment we’re operating in, it is critical that we confirm a Secretary of Defense, however, I regret that I am unable to support Mr. Hegseth."

Murkowski said that she did not make her “decision lightly” and claimed in the post that she takes her “constitutional responsibility to provide advice and consent with the utmost seriousness.” She wrote that Hegseth previously saying women should not be in combat roles in the military as well as infidelity were two main concerns the GOP senator had.

The Alaska senator also said in the statement, "I commend Pete Hegseth’s service to our nation, including leading troops in combat and advocating for our veterans. However, these accomplishments do not alleviate my significant concerns regarding his nomination. Managing the Department of Defense requires vast experience and expertise as the department is one of the most complex and powerful organizations in the world, and Mr. Hegseth’s prior roles in his career do not demonstrate to me that he is prepared for such immense responsibility. His leadership of two veteran organizations was marked with accusations of financial mismanagement and problems with the workplace culture he fostered."

Despite his military service she commended, Murkowski "remain[ed] concerned about the message that confirming Mr. Hegseth sends to women currently serving and those aspiring to join" the military.

"Although he has recently revised his statements on women in combat since being nominated," Murkowski continued. "I remain concerned about the message that confirming Mr. Hegseth sends to women currently serving and those aspiring to join. Women have served our nation with distinction, overcoming immense obstacles to excel in combat and leadership roles, and they deserve to know that their leader honors and values their commitment to our nation.

She added, "While the allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking do nothing to quiet my concerns, the past behaviors Mr. Hegseth has admitted to, including infidelity on multiple occasions, demonstrate a lack of judgment that is unbecoming of someone who would lead our armed forces. These behaviors starkly contrast the values and discipline expected of servicemembers. Men and women in uniform are held accountable for such actions, and they deserve leaders who uphold these same standards."

During initial hearings for Hegseth, he opened up saying that he will "restore the warrior ethos to the Pentagon" if he is confirmed as the Secretary of Defense. He later added that he will work to "reestablish trust in our military—and address the recruiting, retention and readiness crisis in our ranks. The strength of our military is our unity—our shared purpose—not our differences."

Notably, Murkowski voted in favor of Biden Secretary of Defense appointee Lloyd Austin, who failed to inform the White House when he was admitted to the hospital for surgery for several days.

Some GOP senators, such as Joni Earnst (R-IA) were initially hesitant to support Hegseth, however, after the hearings, came around to support the veteran nominee. Earnst, a former veteran herself, said, "After four years of weakness in the White House, Americans deserve a strong Secretary of Defense," and added that she would work with him to "create the most lethal fighting force" for the US.

The Senate is set to have a cloture vote on Hegseth’s nomination later on Thursday, per The Hill, with a likely final vote on Friday.

Hegseth has faced criticism for his role as a host on Fox and Friends, with several pundits and Democratic politicians questioning his competence. However, he is a Princeton and Harvard graduate, and has earned two Bronze Stars during his 20-year military career, which included tours in Iraq, Guantanamo Bay, and Afghanistan.

He has been subject to intense scrutiny, especially since being nominated for the position, with allegations about his drinking habits at work, though both he and his colleagues have denied these claims.

Media outlets have also dug up sexual assault allegations from 2017, but Hegseth has firmly denied the claims, asserting that they are false. He was also never charged with a crime, as revealed in details from the investigation published by a number of media outlets.

Both Trump and Hegseth have expressed confidence that he will be confirmed for the role.