Maine, breaks with party to vote against Pete Hegseth, Trump's nominee for Defense Secretary. Can he still get confirmed?

Republican Sen. Susan Collins voted Thursday against advancing President Donald Trump's choice for defense secretary, who has faced allegations of heavy drinking, financial mismanagement and abusive behavior toward women.

President Trump's nominees for top posts in his administration are gearing up for their Senate confirmation hearings, which kicked off earlier this month.

So far, three people have been confirmed to Trump’s Cabinet: former Sen. Marco Rubio as the secretary of state, John Ratcliffe as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency and Pete Hegseth as secretary of Defense.

The 44-year-old veteran and former Fox News host was sworn into office Saturday after facing allegations of sexual misconduct, misogynistic and racist comments, and mismanaged finances at two organizations.

The Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth late Friday, swatting back questions about his qualifications to lead the Pentagon.

Despite allegations he’s faced since being announced as Trump’s pick for defense secretary, Hegseth managed to convince enough GOP senators he’s the man for the job.

Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, from second left, Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi and Secretary of the Interior nominee former North Dakota Gov. Doug ... Susan Collins of Maine, broke ...

Sen. Susan Collins and Sen. Angus King voted against Pete Hegseth's nomination for Secretary of Defense, but he still advanced to a final confirmation vote.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate advanced the nomination of Pete ... Susan Collins of Maine, broke ranks with Trump and his allies who have mounted an extensive public campaign to push Hegseth ...

Doug Burgum, arrive before the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times via AP, Pool) Pete Hegseth ...

Doug Collins, Donald Trump's pick to head the ... for President-elect Trump's cabinet nominees began this week with Pete Hegseth, the former Army National Guard officer and FOX News host nominated ...