Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth spoke positively Monday night about his second meeting with Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and expressed support for her and the other senators responsible for confirming her appointment. He said he is working hard to win. .
“It was a great meeting,” he said. said FOX NEWS MONDAY Hannityand said she was “front and center” on important issues related to the Department of Defense.
Earlier in the day, Ernst, who had initially expressed doubts about Hegseth following a media smear campaign, also issued a positive statement about the meeting, saying:
I appreciate Pete Hegseth's responsiveness and respect for the process. After our encouraging conversation, Pete completed a full audit of the Department of Defense, upheld the role and value of servicemen and women, and prioritized my work based on quality and standards, not quotas. We promised to elect high-ranking officials who would strengthen us. To prevent sexual assault within the ranks. I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth and not anonymous sources as I support Pete through this process.
Hegseth said in an interview that he was grateful for her support.
“The fact that she's willing to support me through this process means a lot,” he said.
Hegseth also spoke about support for women in the military, an area that Ernst, a former National Guard colonel, cares deeply about as a senator. he said this Hannity:
I would also like to take this opportunity to clarify any misconstrued comments that I do not support women in the military. Some of our greatest warriors, some of the world's best warriors, are women in the service. They raise their right hands to protect this country, to love our country, to want to protect its flag, and they do that every day all over the world.
So, I'm not being presumptuous, but after President Trump asked me to be Secretary of Defense, I would like to say that if I had the opportunity, I would be Secretary to all the warriors, men and women, who have made incredible contributions. I'm looking forward to it. They are made in our military.
Hegseth also said he has known Ernst for more than 10 years. This was back when Ernst was a state senator running to become the first female veteran's nominee in the Senate, and when Ernst was active with the veterans advocacy group Concerned Veterans for America.
“We supported her in that effort,” he said.
Hegseth said he plans to meet with Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) on Tuesday and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) on Wednesday. Both senators are known for their moderate views and tendency to oppose President-elect Donald Trump.
He also praised the process by which senators exercise their advisory and consent role in approving presidential nominees and accused the left of trying to turn his confirmation into a “show trial” in the media.
“We're not going to allow that to happen. I'm going to open the book to all of these senators and answer their questions, and I'm going to have them answer their questions.”
“We're looking forward to getting these votes, and that's ultimately what we're going to do to get them through the committees and the full U.S. Senate. And hopefully, I'm looking forward to getting those votes. You get the honor of being able to stand up. That's what this is all about,” he added.
“It's all about the men and women who have put on the uniform for us. They want someone who has kicked down the door and turned his back on that top spot in the past.”
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