A defining duo of the first Donald Trump administration is back.

Two Republican senators publicly announced they would vote against the confirmation of Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump’s cabinet pick for defense secretary.

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

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Republicans on Thursday advanced the nomination of veteran and onetime Fox News host Pete Hegseth to lead the nation’s military, despite numerous allegations of alcohol abuse and sexual misconduct, and his history of disparaging women in the armed forces.

Pete Hegseth has lost the support of two GOP senators ahead of a final confirmation vote.

Moderate GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska has broken her silence, saying she won't be voting to confirm Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense.

Donald Trump's pick for Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, is facing stiff criticism from Democrats—but most Republicans back him.

Senators voted 51-49 to advance Hegseth's defense secretary bid, which has been mired in a series of controversies. Two Republicans are opposed to Hegseth.

Lisa Murkowski said Thursday she will vote against Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth, who is facing a barrage of accusations about his personal conduct, making the Alaska Republican the first in her party to oppose one of President Donald Trump’s cabinet picks.

Trump promised at his inaugural address that "national unity" would return. But much of this week has seen the returning president continue to pummel out-of-power foes. He called former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney, of Wyoming, a "crying lunatic."

WASHINGTON — Sen. Lisa Murkowski announced Thursday that she will vote against confirming Pete Hegseth to lead the Pentagon, becoming the first Republican to oppose one of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks ahead of a crucial test vote.