Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa, once a notable skeptic of Pete Hegseth’s nomination as Secretary of Defense, has officially thrown her support behind him. Her decision came after Tuesday’s confirmation hearing, where Hegseth’s performance appeared to win her over.
In a statement, Ernst explained, “Our next commander in chief selected Pete Hegseth for this role, and after hearing from Iowans, having conversations with him, and fulfilling my duties as a U.S. Senator, I will support President Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense.”
Key Commitments She’ll Hold Hegseth To
As a member of the Armed Services Committee, Ernst emphasized her intent to hold Hegseth accountable. She outlined several priorities, including:
- Auditing the Pentagon to ensure transparency.
- Expanding opportunities for women in combat while maintaining high standards.
- Addressing sexual assault in the military by appointing a senior official to tackle the issue head-on.
Ernst’s change of stance wasn’t entirely unexpected. On Tuesday, during an interview with Simon Conway’s radio show, she hinted at her decision:
“I figured you’d ask this, so yes, I will be supporting President Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth.”
A Crucial Boost for Hegseth’s Nomination
Ernst’s backing is a significant win for Hegseth, making his confirmation in the Republican-led Senate highly likely. With Republicans holding 53 seats, they need just 50 votes to confirm him, even if all Democrats oppose the nomination. So far, no Republican senator has publicly opposed Hegseth.
While some moderate Republicans like Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) are still under scrutiny, their potential defections wouldn’t be enough to derail the nomination.
Ernst’s Journey from Skepticism to Support
As a combat veteran and sexual assault survivor, Ernst initially approached Hegseth’s nomination with caution, especially given allegations of sexual misconduct against him—allegations Hegseth denies. During Tuesday’s hearing, Ernst seemed to soften her stance, even entering a supportive letter for Hegseth into the record.
It’s worth noting that Hegseth has faced criticism for past remarks suggesting women shouldn’t serve in combat. Despite these controversies, Ernst’s endorsement underscores her confidence in his ability to lead.
Political Stakes for Ernst
Ernst’s decision wasn’t without potential consequences. Allies of President Trump had reportedly hinted at a primary challenge against her in Iowa if she opposed Hegseth’s nomination. With her re-election coming up in 2026, Ernst’s alignment with the Trump administration could solidify her standing among GOP voters.
Looking Ahead
Hegseth’s path to confirmation now seems all but certain. While questions surrounding his background linger, Ernst’s support represents a pivotal moment, reflecting both the political dynamics at play and her belief in holding him accountable for the commitments he’s made.
As the confirmation process unfolds, all eyes remain on the Senate to see how the final vote will shape up.
