Pete Hegseth appears to have gained a critical ally in his bid to become President-elect Donald Trump’s Secretary of Defense, with Iowa Republican Senator Joni Ernst expressing her support after a meeting on Monday.
“I appreciate Pete Hegseth’s responsiveness and respect for the process,” Ernst said in a statement following the meeting. “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 values of our service men and women — based on quality and standards, not quotas — and who will prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual assault within the ranks.”
Ernst added that she looks forward to a fair confirmation hearing for Hegseth, free from the influence of “anonymous sources.”
READ: UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder Suspect Held Without Bail In Pennsylvania
As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Ernst’s backing is seen as pivotal to Hegseth’s chances of securing Senate confirmation. Hegseth has faced scrutiny from Ernst and other senators, particularly regarding allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking—claims that he and his former colleagues have adamantly denied.
Following their meeting, Hegseth praised Ernst as a committed advocate for defense issues. “As two combat veterans, we’re reminded of our shared dedication to our nation’s defense,” Hegseth told reporters.
While no Republican senators have openly opposed Hegseth’s nomination, some, including Maine Senator Susan Collins and Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski, remain undecided. Ernst herself had withheld her support after an earlier meeting last week, noting the need for further “constructive conversations.”
READ :Alan Dershowitz Questions One Detail About Arrest Of Suspect In UnitedHealth CEO’s Murder
Hegseth has characterized the resistance to his nomination as a politically motivated smear campaign. Speaking to SiriusXM’s Megyn Kelly, he described the allegations against him as baseless.
“I had a senator tell me privately, ‘They’re using a playbook against you—anonymous accusations, rumors, and innuendo. None of it verified, all of it intended to undermine you because you’re a threat to their system,’” Hegseth said.
The support from Ernst comes after President-elect Trump publicly defended his nominee, calling him a “winner” in a Dec. 6 post on Truth Social.
READ: Marine Veteran Daniel Penny Acquitted In Subway Chokehold Death Of Jordan Neely
Hegseth’s confirmation battle continues as he works to secure enough support in the Senate, with his backers emphasizing his commitment to reforming the Pentagon and strengthening America’s defense systems.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.