‘I Support Pete’: Ernst Changes Tune Following Second Hegseth Meeting

Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, indicated she will confirm Pete Hegseth as the next secretary of defense on Monday. The announcement marks a stark pivot for Ernst, who has been leading a behind-the-scenes effort to tank Hegseth’s nomination.

“I appreciate Pete Hegseth’s responsiveness and respect for the process,” Ernst said in a press release. “Following our encouraging conversations, Pete committed to completing a full audit of the Pentagon and selecting a senior official who will uphold the roles and value of our servicemen and women — based on quality and standards, not quotas — and who will prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual assault within the ranks. As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources.”

The statement was issued following Ernst’s Monday afternoon meeting with Hegseth on Capitol Hill. The Iowa senator previously met the Army veteran to discuss his nomination to lead the Pentagon last week.

When asked about his most recent talk with Ernst, Hegseth told reporters it “was a very good meeting,” and expressed appreciation for “her commitment to the process.”

“We look forward to working together,” Hegseth said.

Who is Sen. Joni Ernst, the Iowa Republican trying to tank Pete Hegseth’s defense secretary nomination?

A deep dive into her record reveals a pattern of repeatedly betraying her voters’ interests. 🧵1/
https://t.co/ApXej8zZyh

— Shawn Fleetwood (@ShawnFleetwood) December 5, 2024