Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) indicated that she plans to support Pete Hegseth following “encouraging conversations.” The move follows speculation that she and other senators expressed doubts about Hegseth’s Senate confirmation.
After meeting with Hegseth, Ernst said, “I appreciate Pete Hegseth’s responsiveness and respect for the process. Following our encouraging conversations, Pete committed to completing a full audit of the Pentagon and selecting a senior official who will uphold the roles and value of our servicemen and women — based on quality and standards, not quotas — and who will prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual assault within the ranks.”
“As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources,” she added.
Hegseth told Fox News that his meeting with Ernst was “great.”
“It was a great meeting. People don’t really know this. I’ve known Sen. Ernst for over 10 years. I knew her when she was a state senator running to be the first female combat veteran,” Hegseth told Sean Hannity. “And we supported her in that effort, and have continued to.”
“You get into these meetings and you listen to senators — it’s an amazing advice and consent process — and you hear how thoughtful, serious, substantive they are on these key issues that pertain to our Defense Department,” he continued. “And Joni Ernst is front and center on that. So to be able to have phone calls and meetings time and time again to talk over the issues is really, really important. The fact that she’s willing to support me through this process means a lot.”
President-elect Donald Trump has reiterated his support for Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, dismissing reports that the nomination might be reconsidered. In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Hegseth’s qualifications, calling him “a fantastic, high-energy Secretary of Defense” and emphasizing his confidence in the Fox News host.
