Iowa senator Joni Ernst backs Pete Hegseth for Defense secretary

Iowa GOP Sen. Joni Ernst on Tuesday officially backed Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary after he testified in front of the Senate Armed Services committee, despite initial concerns.

Ernst previously expressed an openness to supporting Hegseth after she had "encouraging conversations" with him last month, but held off on officially endorsing him until after the hearing.

"After four years of weakness in the White House, Americans deserve a strong Secretary of Defense," Ernst told Fox News. "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.

"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," she added.

Ernst had come under intense scrutiny from Trump supporters online over her refusal to commit to supporting Hegseth. The former Fox News host has faced allegations of drinking on the job and sexual misconduct, which he denies.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.