Vice President-elect JD Vance expressed his unwavering support for Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth, assuring reporters that he has engaged with several senators, including Iowa GOP Sen. Joni Ernst, to secure Hegseth's confirmation.
Vance confidently stated that Hegseth will receive a fair hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, emphasizing that it will not be a mere spectacle for the media. He reiterated his belief that Hegseth is the ideal candidate to lead the Department of Defense, citing President Trump's nomination as a testament to Hegseth's qualifications.
Asserting their commitment to seeing Hegseth through the confirmation process, Vance emphasized that they will not yield to pressure from external influences, particularly media scrutiny. He underscored the authority of President Trump, backed by the Senate's advice and consent, in determining the Secretary of Defense.
In a separate development, Senator Ernst hinted at reservations regarding a potential Hegseth nomination during an interview on Fox News. Her stance on the matter remains ambiguous, indicating a level of uncertainty surrounding Hegseth's nomination.
