We shouldn’t expect McConnell to be the next John McCain or Mitt Romney, but his vote Friday against Pete Hegseth previewed some fascinating dynamics ahead.

The Senate just barely confirmed Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary last week. Mitch McConnell’s vote against him in particular could spell trouble for Trump's shakiest nominees, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr,

After a few GOP senators, including McConnell, voted against Hegseth for defense secretary, the Senate narrowly voted to confirm him.

Pete Hegseth is widely seen as a threat to the establishment that governs the Defense Department and its related industries.

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

President Donald Trump dismissed Sen. Mitch McConnell’s (R-KY) no-vote Friday night against now-Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. The former Fox News weekend host was confirmed Friday night with Vice President JD Vance casting a tie-breaking vote to end Hegseth’s controversial confirmation process.

Amid calls that Mitch McConnel should immediately be censured, primaries and voted out of office, Donald Trump reacted to McConnell voting against Pete Hegseth in the crucial Senate confirmation that forced vice president JD Vance to vote in favor of Hegseth.

President Donald Trump reacted to the Senate’s vote confirming his defense secretary pick Pete Hegseth while on the tarmac in Los Angeles. He said he spoke with Hegseth while on Marine One. "We just heard that we have a great secretary of defense. We're very happy about that and we appreciate everybody's votes," Trump said.

WASHINGTON – Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell was one of three Republicans voting against the confirmation of Pete Hegseth on Friday to be secretary of Defense, though his appointment was approved by the narrowest of margins.

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

McConnell was followed by former Speakers Kevin McCarthy, John Boehner, and Newt Gingrich. Notably absent from the procession was ex-Speaker Paul Ryan.

Mitch McConnell said he doesn't think Pete Hegseth has passed the test proving he is capable of helping the military stand up to China and Russia.