Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) announced Tuesday that President-elect Donald Trump's pick for the Pentagon's top post was hotly pursued by senators on Capitol Hill, citing defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth. expressed support for Mr.
Mr. Ernst, an Army veteran and rape survivor, had previously expressed concern about Mr. Hegseth's past comments. Women in military combat roles And allegations of sexual misconduct were leveled against the former TV personality.
But the Iowa Republican said he now supports Mr. Trump's desire to install Mr. Hegseth as Pentagon chief after his confirmation hearing.
“After four years of weakness in the White House, the American people deserve a strong Secretary of Defense,” the Iowa Republican said in a statement. “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 it.”
“In serving on the Armed Services Committee, I will work with Pete to create the most lethal combat force, audit the Department of Defense, maintain high standards while ensuring opportunities for female combatants, and support high-ranking officers.” “We're going to hold him to his promise to elect people to address and prevent sexual assault within their ranks,” she added.
Ernst's endorsement of Hegseth means the former Fox News host is almost certain to be confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate when his nomination goes to a vote later this month. do.
Mr. Hegseth, 44, met several times on Capitol Hill in the lead up to Tuesday's confirmation hearing in an effort to gain key support from Mr. Ernst.
“Given that combat standards remain high, women will also be able to serve in ground combat roles,” Hegseth pledged to Ernst during the hearing.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) called at some point He called the allegations against Hegseth “alarming” and after the hearing he also expressed support for the Afghanistan and Iraq war veteran's candidacy.
“Pete answered difficult questions extremely well during today's hearing, laying out his vision for reforming the Department of Defense and becoming the greatest advocate for our warfighters,” the South Carolina Republican said in a statement. Ta.
“The attack on democracy was overly personal and failed,” Graham added. “It was clear that Pete was better prepared for the hearing than his Democratic colleagues.”
“With today's performance, I believe Pete Hegseth's path to confidence is secured.”
