Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, confirmed her support for former Fox News host Pete Hegseth as defense secretary late Tuesday following his first confirmation hearing in the Senate.
Mr. Ernst had previously expressed skepticism about Mr. Hegseth’s nomination. In an interview with local radio host Simon Conway, Ernst said he was able to persuade Hegseth because Iowans supported him.
“Breaking news, Simon. That’s what I thought you would ask. So, yes, I support President Trump’s nomination of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth,” Ernst said. said Conway. “He’s done a lot of work. If anyone was there to watch the hearing, one of the gentlemen I was able to visit with, and again someone I’ve known for a long time, is Mark Lucas. . Mark is an Iowan and had written a letter of support to Mr. Hegseth, so we were able to enter it into Chairman Wicker’s record today.”
Ernst said he pressed Hegseth on important issues, including the treatment of women in the military.
Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna is here to support Pete Hegseth. Please note: pic.twitter.com/E3DkOYaxOf
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“So again, a lot of Iowans have reached out to express their support for Pete Hegseth. I have had many conversations with Pete, and in doing so, I have learned a lot about women in the military and about women in the military. My position on ensuring we continue to support women in the It was important for Pete to understand that he had been sexually assaulted and confessed to it publicly. He promised it would be private, but we wanted to document it publicly today. And he did it for me,” Ernst said.
Mr. Ernst previously praised Mr. Hegseth’s collaborative approach and commitment to transparency and reform at the Pentagon.
“We appreciate Pete Hegseth’s responsiveness and respect for the process,” Ernst said. said This was said in a statement after the meeting. “After our encouraging conversations, Pete completed a full audit of the Department of Defense, supported the roles and values of servicemen and women based on quality and standards, not quotas, and prioritized and strengthened my mission.” We have committed to electing senior officials who will work to prevent sexual assault within their ranks.” (Related: Exclusive: New ad targeting Joni Ernst heats up Hegseth approval battle)
Hegseth is vying for the post of Pentagon chief in President-elect Donald Trump’s second term. His confirmation primarily requires a majority in the Senate. Mr Hegseth’s nomination has come amid allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking, both of which he denies.
In October 2017, a woman suspect She claimed that Hegseth sexually assaulted her in Monterey, California, but the Monterey County district attorney confirmed that no charges have been filed in connection with the incident.
Hegseth served as an infantry officer in the Army National Guard in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. According to Go to his website. Many veterans and military colleagues who served with Hegseth signed a letter supporting his nomination to be the next Secretary of Defense.
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