Pete Hegseth, who has been nominated by President Trump to lead the Pentagon, recently had a positive meeting with GOP Sen. Joni Ernst on Capitol Hill. Hegseth described the meeting as 'very good' and emphasized the importance of their shared dedication to defense as combat veterans.
While Hegseth did not confirm whether Ernst would support his nomination, he expressed gratitude for her commitment to the process. Ernst, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is considered a crucial swing vote in this decision.
Ernst characterized her previous meeting with Hegseth as 'frank' and 'thorough,' highlighting the importance of ensuring the Pentagon works effectively for warfighters. The two veterans also had discussions over the weekend, further solidifying their mutual interest in national defense.
During his statement, Hegseth acknowledged his decade-long acquaintance with Ernst and praised her longstanding dedication to supporting military personnel. He expressed optimism about the prospect of collaborating with Ernst in the future.