
Republican Senator Joni Ernst expressed her positive stance on Monday following a meeting with Pete Hegseth, President Trump's nominee for the Defense Department leadership. Ernst emphasized the importance of a fair hearing based on truth rather than anonymous sources.
During their discussions, Ernst appreciated Hegseth's responsiveness and commitment to the process. Hegseth assured Ernst of conducting a comprehensive audit of the Pentagon and selecting a senior official who prioritizes the well-being and values of servicemen and women based on quality and standards, not quotas. Additionally, he pledged to support Ernst's efforts to prevent sexual assault within the military ranks.