President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, received the support of two key Republican senators on Tuesday after a contentious confirmation hearing in the Senate. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) announced their intentions to support Hegseth in the confirmation process.
Previously, both had expressed slight hesitations in supporting Hegseth for Secretary of Defense. After the hearing on Tuesday, both senators released statements pledging their support. Their statements were highlighted in separate communication messages distributed by the Trump-Vance transition team.
“After four years of weakness in the White House, Americans deserve a strong Secretary of Defense,” Ernst said. “Our next commander in chief selected Pete Hegseth to serve in this role, and after our conversations, hearing from Iowans, and doing my job as a United States Senator, I will support President Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense.”
Ernst was reportedly skeptical after Trump first announced Hegseth’s nomination in November. She initially said the former Fox News host would have “his work cut out for him” to get the Senate’s approval.
“He was adequately able to answer all of my questions, he pointed out the woke issues at the Pentagon, and I think we’re at a point where now we can start moving forward,” Ernst said in an interview with radio host Simon Conway.
In her statement, the senator from Iowa expressed her desire to work with Hegseth.
“As I serve on the Armed Services Committee, I will work with Pete to create the most lethal fighting force and hold him to his commitments of auditing the Pentagon, ensuring opportunity for women in combat while maintaining high standards, and selecting a senior official to address and prevent sexual assault in the ranks,” Ernst said.
Graham echoed Ernst’s sentiments and applauded Hegseth’s answers before the committee during the hearing. He was impressed by Hegseth’s preparation and said he believed he was on the way to being confirmed.
“Pete did a very good job answering difficult questions at today’s hearing while laying out a vision to reform the Pentagon and to be the warfighters’ biggest champion,” Graham said in a statement. “Democratic attacks were overly personal and fell flat. It was clear Pete was more prepared for the hearing than my Democratic colleagues.”
“With today’s performance, I believe Pete Hegseth’s path to confirmation has been assured,” Graham added.
