Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican from Iowa and a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is set to have a crucial discussion with defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth in the upcoming days. Ernst, who has been a vocal advocate against sexual assault in the military, expressed her intention to engage in a candid and comprehensive conversation with Hegseth.
When questioned about her potential support for Hegseth amidst the swirling allegations surrounding him, Ernst emphasized her focus on the forthcoming meeting. She stated, 'I’m just looking forward to visiting later this week and we’ll see what he has to say. We’re just going to have a really frank and thorough conversation.'
Regarding the information she has encountered regarding Hegseth's alleged behavior, Ernst indicated that she plans to address these concerns directly during their meeting. She remarked, 'We’ll talk about it in our meeting.'
Ernst's commitment to engaging in a detailed dialogue with Hegseth underscores the significance of thoroughly assessing the nominee's qualifications and addressing any pertinent issues. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Ernst's perspective and insights will play a crucial role in the evaluation of Hegseth's suitability for the position of defense secretary.
