The Senate narrowly advanced the nomination of Pete Hegseth as President Donald Trump’s defense secretary on Thursday in a 51-49 vote, moving him one step closer to confirmation despite fierce objections from Senate Democrats and mounting unease among some Republicans.

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

Republican Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski — who broke with her party on numerous occasions to support former President Joe Biden’s nominees — became the first Republican senator to publicly oppose Pete Hegseth’s nomination to serve as Defense secretary.

Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski announced that she would not back President Donald Trump’s controversial Pentagon nominee, and Maine Senator Susan Collins has also voiced her disapproval.

WASHINGTON — A divided Senate on Thursday voted to move toward confirming Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense, in a strong signal that allegations about his personal conduct, including a new one from a former sister-in-law, were unlikely to derail his nomination.

The Alaska Republican’s decision Thursday comes ahead of a crucial test vote to advance Hegseth’s nomination toward confirmation.

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

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

Both Republican Sens. Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski voted "no" in a procedural vote on Hegseth's confirmation Thursday.

Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump's nominee for Defense secretary, received a positive vote from the Senate on Jan. 23 that would clear his path to confirmation despite receiving "no" votes from Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) and Susan Collins (Maine).

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.

Senators voted 51-49 to advance Hegseth's defense secretary bid, which has been mired in a series of controversies. Two Republicans are opposed to Hegseth.