Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, a Republican, predicted that Pete Hegseth will be confirmed as Defense secretary Friday evening and that Democratic opposition would target Tulsi Gabbard next.

At the White House, President Donald Trump said he was surprised that two senators have publicly said they'll vote against his nominee to lead the Defense Department.

The Senate is poised to hold a vote to confirm Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump's nominee to serve as secretary of defense, late Friday evening.

Republicans pushed forward with Pete Hegseth’s nomination as secretary of defense on Wednesday even after a damaging report emerged claiming that his second wife lived in fear of his “abuse.” Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he plans to get the full Senate to hold a final confirmation vote on Hegseth before the end of the week.

The vote broke the Senate filibuster and sets up a final confirmation vote, which will likely take place Friday. Democrat John Fetterman voted against advancing Hegseth for secretary of defense.

The full Senate voted 51-49 on Thursday to advance Hegseth's nomination, paving the way for a final confirmation vote Friday.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski announced Thursday that 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 ahead of a crucial test vote.

Pete Hegseth's nomination as Secretary of Defense has hit a significant roadblock. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska has declared her intent to oppose Hegseth, citing concerns after reviewing his past writings,

The Senate is set to hold a final confirmation voe on Pete Hegseth’s nomination for Defense secretary on Friday, a day after advancing his nomination by a slim margin with two Republicans

The Senate advanced the nomination of Pete Hegseth as President Donald Trump's defense secretary Thursday on a largely party-line vote, despite grave objections from Democrats and stirring unease among Republicans.

Voting against Hegesth in a procedural motion on Thursday, the two released statements declaring their disapproval of the Fox News host and his long history of comments about women serving in combat. Collins, in her statement, insinuated that she didn’t believe Hegseth’s views had changed, despite his assurances.