Fox's first appearance: Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) formally endorsed Pete Hegseth for secretary of defense on Tuesday night, despite initially expressing some uncertainty after their first meeting. .
“After four years of weakness in the White House, the American people deserve a strong Secretary of Defense,” Ernst told Fox News Digital in an exclusive statement.
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Ernst formally announced his support for Hegseth on Tuesday. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
“Our nation's next commander-in-chief has selected Pete Hegseth for this role. After our discussions, listening to the people of Iowa, and performing my duties as a United States senator, I am pleased to announce that I am President Trump's pick for Secretary of Defense. I intend to support the military committee. Council, I will work with Pete to create the most lethal combat force, audit the Department of Defense, ensure opportunities for women in combat while maintaining high standards, and address and prevent sexual assault. We're going to make sure he keeps his promise to elect high-ranking officials.”
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President-elect Trump's pick to lead the Pentagon was made Tuesday morning before the Senate Armed Services Committee, where he faced questions from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers.
