Joni Ernst: I’m Not Yet A “Yes” On Confirming Hegseth

December 5, 2024 Politics, Republicans

Sen. Joni Ernst isn’t ready to throw her weight behind Pete Hegseth’s bid to lead the Pentagon, she said Thursday on Fox News.

Ernst (R-Iowa), who had a “frank and thorough” conversation with the Defense Department pick on Wednesday, was asked on “America’s Newsroom” if she’s not ready to vote yes on Hegseth amid allegations of sexual misconduct and troublesome drinking. She replied: “I think you are right.”

Ernst is a veteran herself and has made combating sexual assault in the military a key bipartisan focus of her time in the Senate. She’s seen as a critical barometer for Hegseth’s support among Senate Republicans and has been rumored as a possible replacement for the post herself.

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Joni Ernst on Fox News indicates she’s not yet prepared to support Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense pic.twitter.com/PVxycY0CwN

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) December 5, 2024