After GOP Sen. Joni Ernst Backs His Nomination, Pete Hegseth’s Confirmation For Defense Secretary Seems Assured

Sen. Jodi Ernst (R-Iowa) officially endorsed Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense. 

Hegseth can only afford to lose no more than three Republican votes to avoid defeat by Democrats, who are all expected to oppose him. Ernst announced her decision to support him on WHO News Radio, increasing the likelihood that Hegsdeth would have enough votes. 

During the confirmation hearing on Tuesday, Hegseth was forced to answer allegations of sexual assault, public intoxication and corporate mismanagement. 

Ernst was concerned with Hegseth’s views on women’s ability to serve in combat, as well as the sexual assault allegations made against him. Ersnt is the Senate’s first female combat veteran. She is a known sexual assault survivor who has used her voice to campaign for changes in the way the U.S. military handles sexual assault cases. 

Her vote was considered pivotal for Hegseths confirmation.

Hegseth contradicted his previous remarks, saying in his hearing that “women will have access to ground combat roles.”

Ernst expressed determination to combat sexual assault in the military. “As secretary of Defense, will you appoint a senior-level official dedicated to sexual assault prevention and response?” she asked Hegseth. 

Hegseth said that he would.

Ernst initially reacted with hostility to President-elect Donald Trump’s selection. She told Fox News that he would “have his work cut out for him” and that she was uncertain she would say yes upon first meeting with him after the nomination. 

After more meetings, Hegseth promised to audit the Pentagon and appoint a sexual assault prevention official in the military, which helped win the senator over. 

Supporters of Hegseth vocally threatened to launch a primary against Earnst in 2026 when she was up for reelection. 

“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. “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.”

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Article by Angie Schlager