Sen. Lisa Murkowski is opposing the nomination of Pete Hegseth to be President Donald Trump's Defense secretary.

Wicker did not specify what day the vote would take place, but said it could be as late as next Thursday if Senate Democrats do not allow the chamber to speed up the confirmation process.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin bid farewell Friday to the forces and personnel he has led through a tumultuous term that had three major military crises, a global pandemic and a personal brush with cancer that became a flashpoint for the way it was mishandled.

Pete Hegseth narrowly secured enough votes on Friday to become the next U.S. defense secretary, a major victory for President Donald Trump after fierce opposition from Democrats and even some Republicans to his controversial nominee.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin speaks during a press briefing at the Pentagon ... something President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, has falsely claimed is his distinction and why he is needed to restore a military ...

Pete Hegseth was sworn in to lead the Department of Defense on Saturday, after a narrow vote in the Senate. The vote on Friday night was initially 50-50, with Vice President JD Vance then casting the tie-breaking vote.

Dozens of issues will compete for his attention, including developing the Pentagon’s massive budget, decisions about aid to Ukraine, support for the ceasefire in Gaza and troop deployments in the Middle East.

Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump's choice to be defense secretary, gives a thumbs-up at the completion of his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee at the Capitol on Jan.

Hegseth's confirmation is a narrow victory for Trump and supporters who want to see a warrior and change agent lead the Pentagon.

It was a major victory for Trump after receiving some fierce opposition to his controversial nominee. Read more at straitstimes.com.

US President Donald trump is set to sign an executive order that will reinstate thousands of service members who were discharged during the pandemic for refusi