GOP Sen. Joni Ernst officially backs Pete Hegseth for DOD after initial uncertainty

Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa made headlines on Tuesday night when she officially endorsed Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense. This announcement came after some initial uncertainty following their first meeting. In an exclusive statement to Fox News Digital, Ernst emphasized the need for a strong leader in the role of Secretary of Defense, especially after what she described as four years of weakness in the White House.

“After four years of weakness in the White House, Americans deserve a strong Secretary of Defense,” Ernst said. She went on to explain that, after conversations with Hegseth, hearing from constituents in Iowa, and fulfilling her duties as a United States Senator, she decided to support President Trump’s pick for the position. Ernst, who serves on the Armed Services Committee, outlined her priorities for working with Hegseth, including creating a more lethal fighting force, auditing the Pentagon, promoting opportunities for women in combat, and addressing and preventing sexual assault in the military.

President-elect Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, faced questions from both Democratic and Republican members of the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday morning. With Ernst’s endorsement, Hegseth’s confirmation process is likely to proceed with the support of at least one key Republican lawmaker.

Julia Johnson, a politics writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, provided coverage of the Senate hearing and Ernst’s endorsement of Hegseth. Johnson, who previously worked as a politics reporter at the Washington Examiner, continues to follow developments in U.S. politics closely. Readers can stay updated on her reporting by following her on Twitter at @JuliaaJohnson_ and sending tips to Julia.Johnson@fox.com.

The endorsement of Pete Hegseth by Senator Joni Ernst marks a significant moment in the ongoing transition of power in Washington, as President-elect Trump prepares to take office. With support from key lawmakers like Ernst, Hegseth’s nomination for Secretary of Defense is likely to move forward smoothly, paving the way for a new era of leadership in the Department of Defense.