Pete Hegseth has won over Sen. Joni Ernst.
The Iowa senator said Tuesday she will be voting to confirm Hegseth to the next Defense secretary, a crucial endorsement for a nomination that seemed to be on shaky ground a few weeks ago.
Ernst told an Iowa radio show that said the former Fox News host was able to adequately answer all her questions during his confirmation hearing before the Armed Services Committee.
“He pointed out the woke issues at the Pentagon and I think we’re at a point where now we can start moving forward. People know where he stands on these issues,” Ernst said. “I will be supporting President Trump’s pick for secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth.”
Ernst — a combat veteran and sexual assault survivor — was considered a pivotal vote after she raised concerns over Hegseth’s past comments saying women should not be able to serve in combat, as well as several allegations of sexual misconduct.
At his confirmation hearing, Hegseth walked back his past remarks on women in the military, telling Ernst that “women will have access to ground combat roles.”
