Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) has announced plans to meet again with Pete Hegseth, the nominee for Secretary of Defense, as he continues to advocate for himself to lawmakers in Washington, D.C.
In a post on the social media platform X, Ernst stated, “Pete Hegseth and I will continue our constructive conversations as we move forward together in this process. We plan to meet again next week.” She emphasized that he should be allowed to present his vision for the military at a proper hearing.
Joni Ernst announces continued discussions with Pete Hegseth in confirmation process
Speculation suggests that Ernst may be one of the Republican senators who are hesitating to fully support Hegseth, potentially resulting in a challenging confirmation process for the former Fox News host. On the same day, President-elect Trump expressed confidence that Hegseth would finally secure Senate confirmation.
Having served as a lieutenant colonel in the Iowa National Guard during the Iraq War, Ernst met with Hegseth earlier this week, and he confirmed they had another discussion on Friday. He remarked on X, “I just had another substantive conversation with Senator Ernst.
I appreciate her sincere commitment to defense policy, and I look forward to meeting with her again next week.” Following their first meeting, Ernst did not commit to supporting Trump’s nominee for the Pentagon, leaving her position uncertain.
