Alaska Senator’s Sole Republican ‘No’ on Hung Cao Draws Immediate Fire from Pro-Trump Groups and Conservative Leaders
Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) has once again found herself at the center of a political firestorm, casting the only Republican vote against advancing the nomination of Hung Cao for Under Secretary of the U.S. Navy.
The procedural vote, which aimed to move Cao’s nomination to a final vote on the Senate floor, has triggered immediate and strong backlash from conservative leaders and pro-Trump groups.
Cao, a decorated Vietnamese-American former Navy Captain and U.S. Naval Academy graduate, was President Donald Trump’s pick for the key civilian leadership role within the Department of the Navy.
His nomination, which Veterans have championed for America First and defense advocates have supported due to his military experience, received broad Republican support during the procedural motion.
A Pattern of Independence
Murkowski’s vote immediately drew attention as she broke ranks with her party, a move consistent with her long-established reputation as one of the Senate’s most independent and sometimes controversial voices.
While the senator’s office has not released a formal statement explaining her decision, political observers speculate that personal tensions with the Trump wing of the GOP may have played a significant role.
The vote against Cao is the latest in a series of high-profile instances where Murkowski has opposed her party’s stance. Her record includes:
- 2017: Voting against the Republican plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act, citing concerns over the rushed process.
- 2018: Being the only Republican to oppose the confirmation of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.
- 2021: Joining six other Republicans in voting for Donald Trump’s second impeachment and supporting the investigation into the January 6th Capitol breach.
Nomination’s Path Still Viable
Despite the senator’s opposition, Cao’s nomination is still considered to have a strong chance of confirmation. Requiring only a simple majority on the final Senate floor vote, broad Republican support and potential Democratic crossovers are expected to secure his path.
If confirmed, Cao will oversee crucial responsibilities, including Navy manpower, personnel, reserve affairs, and related civilian leadership functions.
However, the political cost for Murkowski’s defiance is likely to be high.
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