Joni Ernst Backs Pete Hegseth’s Confirmation

Senator Joni Ernst Confirms Support for Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense Amid Controversies

In a decisive move that has garnered attention across the political landscape, Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican from Iowa, publicly announced her support for Pete Hegseth as the next Secretary of Defense during an appearance on WHO News Radio 1040 on Tuesday. The announcement extinguishes weeks of speculation surrounding Ernst’s stance on President-elect Donald J. Trump’s controversial pick.

“I will be supporting President Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth,” Ernst stated confidently, signaling a significant endorsement that could prove crucial for Hegseth’s confirmation in the Senate. Given that Democrats are anticipated to rally against Hegseth’s nomination, Ernst’s support greatly enhances Hegseth’s chances of securing the necessary votes. The Republican Party can afford to lose only three votes in the Senate, and Ernst’s endorsement narrows the field of uncertainty around other GOP senators such as Susan Collins of Maine, John Curtis of Utah, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Todd Young of Indiana, all of whom have yet to declare their positions.

Senator Ernst’s support is particularly noteworthy considering the serious allegations that have surrounded Hegseth’s candidacy, including accusations of sexual assault, public intoxication, and mismanagement of various veterans’ nonprofits. Ernst, who has publicly identified as a survivor of sexual assault and is known for her advocacy on behalf of female service members, has previously pushed for reforms in how the military deals with sexual assault cases. Her endorsement of Hegseth seemed, at first, to go against her own advocacy goals, making her support a complicated issue for many observers.

During Hegseth’s confirmation hearing, Ernst demonstrated a significant shift in her approach. Initially expressing reservations regarding Hegseth’s selection, she had previously remarked that he would “have his work cut out for him” in dealing with the complexities of the Pentagon. However, as the confirmation process advanced, Ernst appeared to warm to the idea of Hegseth leading the Defense Department. Despite her promise of forthright questioning, she refrained from confronting Hegseth directly about the allegations that shadowed him, even attempting to counter claims regarding his management of veterans’ organizations.

Ernst’s blanket approval dovetails with a broader pressure campaign that has been aimed at fellow Republicans in the Senate. After her initial uncertain stance following Trump’s announcement of Hegseth as his choice, Ernst faced backlash from pro-Trump groups and prominent Iowa Republicans, who threatened her with potential primary challenges in the upcoming 2026 elections. The pressure intensified after her suggestion that she was not yet inclined to vote “yes” on Hegseth’s confirmation, prompting immediate responses from conservative factions unhappy with her hesitance.

In an apparent turnaround, Ernst subsequently met with Hegseth again, reportedly finding reassurance in his commitments to conduct audits within the Pentagon and to appoint officials responsible for addressing military sexual assault. He also pledged to ensure that female service members were allowed to compete for combat roles, as long as they meet the necessary standards.

These commitments were echoed as Ernst questioned Hegseth during Tuesday’s confirmation hearing. Rather than questioning the validity of the allegations against him, she focused her inquiries on his plans for the department, which allowed him to reiterate his pledges to tackle issues such as military sexual assault and to streamline the evaluation of women for combat roles.

Ultimately, Ernst’s endorsement of Pete Hegseth is a reflection of the complex dynamics within the Republican Party, particularly regarding loyalty to party leadership amid ethical controversies. As the confirmation process moves forward, much will hinge on the reactions of other key senators, particularly those who remain uncommitted. With only a handful of Republican senators yet to disclose their opinions, Hegseth’s path to confirmation appears increasingly robust, fueled by Ernst’s substantial backing. The outcome of this nomination will not just affect Hegseth’s future but may also shape the Senate’s approach to defense policy and the handling of sexual assault within the military for years to come.