Statements from Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine set the stage for a close vote on Friday.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Collins broke ranks with President Trump and his allies who have mounted an extensive public campaign to push Hegseth toward confirmation.

Moderte Sen. Susan Collins said she will not be backing Pete Hegseth for the role of secretary of defense under the Trump administration.

The Senate is now scheduled to vote Friday on whether to confirm the president’s nominee to be defense secretary.