Senators Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins and Mitch McConnell voted against confirming Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary. To Capitol insiders, their decisions weren’t surprising.

Sen. Mitch McConnell was one of three Republicans to vote against Pete Hegseth, who was narrowly confirmed as President Donald Trump's defense secretary.

“WTF? Mitch McConnell immediately walked over and CELEBRATED with the Democrats after voting against Hegseth This man HAS TO GO in 2026. The people of Kentucky voted for Trump’s mandate—not this anti-Trump BS,” conservative commentator Nick Sortor said with a video showing the interaction.

"McConnell spent his life creating this crisis...Only at the end does he find a conscience," political commentator Wajahat Ali wrote.

Former Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.), who stepped down from the leadership at the end of last year, cast a surprise vote Friday night against Pete Hegseth, President Trump’s

Mitch McConnell's last-minute rebellion forced JD Vance to return to the Senate and sets up a tense future as three Republicans defy Trump.

Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky voted against President Donald Trump's nominee to be secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth.

Three Republicans voted with every Democrat against Trump’s controversial pick to lead the Pentagon, forcing Vance to step in and put Hegseth over the top.

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.

Pete Hegseth has vowed to bring his “warrior” ethos to the Pentagon. Democrats had assailed him as unfit for the job, and his confirmation came down to Vice President JD Vance serving as tiebreaker.

Pete Hegseth's nomination once appeared on shaky ground amid allegations that included sexual misconduct and financial mismanagement.