Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) has officially endorsed Pete Hegseth's nomination for Secretary of Defense, following initial reservations. In an exclusive statement to Fox News Digital, Ernst emphasized the need for a strong defense leader after "four years of weakness in the White House." She expressed her support for President Trump's choice, stating her intention to collaborate with Hegseth to "create the most lethal fighting force" and hold him accountable for his commitments.

Ernst's endorsement comes after Hegseth's confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, where he addressed questions from both parties. A key focus for Ernst during the hearing was the issue of sexual assault within the military. As a survivor herself, she stressed the importance of addressing this critical concern and pressed Hegseth on whether he would appoint a senior official dedicated to sexual assault prevention and response. Hegseth confirmed he would do so.

Ernst's initial uncertainty about Hegseth was evident in a prior interview on "America's Newsroom," where she acknowledged her hesitation to fully support his nomination. Her endorsement is significant for Hegseth, as he likely requires near-unanimous Republican support for confirmation. During the hearing, Hegseth also faced scrutiny from Democratic senators regarding past allegations concerning alcohol consumption, sexual assault, and financial mismanagement. He denied all allegations, but Democratic senators remained skeptical. Hegseth's confirmation process is expected to be closely watched as it unfolds.