Joni Ernst says she will support Pete Hegseth's nomination for defense secretary
Sen. Joni Ernst’s support is a huge boost to Hegseth’s prospects, all but assuring his confirmation as defense secretary barring unexpected twists in the GOP-led Senate.
Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, who had been seen as a key Republican skeptic of Pete Hegseth’s nomination to lead the Defense Department, said she will support him after his performance at Tuesday's confirmation hearing.
“Our next commander in chief selected Pete Hegseth to serve in this role, and after our conversations, hearing from Iowans, and doing my job as a United States Senator, I will support President Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense," Ernst said in a statement.
"As I serve on the Armed Services Committee, I will work with Pete to create the most lethal fighting force and hold him to his commitments of auditing the Pentagon, ensuring opportunity for women in combat while maintaining high standards, and selecting a senior official to address and prevent sexual assault in the ranks,” she added.
Ernst had indicated her plans to support Hegseth's bid in an interview Tuesday on Simon Conway’s radio show.
"I figured you would ask this, so yes, I will be supporting President Trump’s pick for secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth," Ernst told Conway.
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