Iowa Republican Senator Joni Ernst has publicly announced her support for Pete Hegseth’s nomination as Secretary of Defense, a decision that significantly boosts Hegseth’s prospects for Senate confirmation. Ernst’s endorsement comes after she initially expressed reservations, making her support crucial for Hegseth, especially given the narrow Republican majority in the Senate.
Initially, Senator Ernst was among the few Republican senators who had not committed to voting for Hegseth. Her hesitation stemmed from comments Hegseth had previously made regarding women serving in combat roles and allegations of sexual assault from his past. These concerns led Ernst to withhold her support pending further scrutiny and clarification. This cautious approach from a respected voice within the Republican party highlighted the challenges Hegseth faced in securing the necessary votes for confirmation.
The path to this point involved a thorough Senate Armed Services Committee hearing where Hegseth addressed these very concerns directly to Senator Ernst and other committee members. Hegseth, a combat veteran and former Fox News host, had faced criticism for his November 2024 statements suggesting women should not serve in combat. Adding to the complexity, a sexual assault allegation from seven years prior resurfaced after President-elect Donald Trump nominated him for the cabinet position.
During the hearing, Ernst directly questioned Hegseth about these issues. Hegseth clarified his stance on women in the military, affirming that women would have access to ground combat roles and committing to appoint a senior official focused on sexual assault prevention and response within the military. Regarding the sexual assault allegation, Hegseth reiterated his denial of any wrongdoing, describing the encounter as consensual and the subsequent settlement as a case of extortion. He stated he was “completely cleared” of the accusations.
Senator Ernst’s change of position became evident after this hearing. Speaking to Iowa radio station WHO, she stated she would support Hegseth, explaining that he had “adequately able to answer all of my questions.” This public declaration of support from a senator initially on the fence is a significant win for the Trump administration and for Hegseth’s confirmation chances.
Ernst’s backing is particularly important because Republicans hold a slim 52-seat majority in the Senate. Hegseth could only afford to lose two Republican votes. With Ernst now on board, and no other Republican senators publicly opposing Hegseth, his confirmation as Secretary of Defense appears highly probable. This development signals a likely smooth transition for this key cabinet position under the new administration, despite the initial hurdles and scrutiny Hegseth faced during the nomination process.
