Senator supports Trump’s Pentagon pick after productive meeting

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Sen. Joni Ernst, an Iowa Republican, made significant progress toward supporting Pete Hegseth’s nomination as Defense Secretary during their second in-person meeting since his nomination by President-elect Donald Trump.

Following their discussion, Ernst shared, “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 value of our servicemen and women — based on quality and standards, not quotas — and who will prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual assault within the ranks. As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources.”

🚨VICTORY – Joni Ernst confirms she now supports Pete Hegseth for SecDef

Make no mistake, YOU are the reason she did this

She wants more wars & hates the MAGA movement, but we raised our voices & forced her to get in line or get the hell out of the Senate

Keep going!! pic.twitter.com/44mzV6L0Ja

— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) December 9, 2024

Initially, Ernst, a former lieutenant colonel in the Iowa Army National Guard, had shown reluctance toward Hegseth’s nomination, particularly amid speculation that she herself had aspirations for the position. However, following conservative pushback regarding her hesitancy, she has gradually moved toward supporting his confirmation.

Despite facing coordinated criticism from mainstream media outlets resurfacing old allegations, Hegseth maintained his commitment, meeting individually with senators to discuss his vision for the Defense Department and address concerns about his nomination.

Joni Ernst endorses Pete Hegseth after a "very good meeting."

Great, but let's not forget: trust is earned, not given! Time for a primary challenge, folks! pic.twitter.com/S0m0BN76si

— ⚔️ Silent Silas ⚔️ (@RagingKuJo1222) December 9, 2024

Trump remained steadfast in his support for Hegseth, dismissing rumors suggesting he might replace him with Gov. Ron DeSantis. Ernst’s evolving support joins other key senators backing Hegseth’s path to confirmation.

Sen. Tom Cotton, Arkansas Republican and newly elected to Senate Republican leadership, expressed his confidence on Twitter, stating “I expect our Republican Senate is going to confirm all of President Trump’s nominees.”