• Sen. Joni Ernst announced her support for Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense following his confirmation hearing.
• Initially skeptical due to serious allegations against Hegseth, Ernst engagingly questioned him during the hearing.
• Ernst's endorsement is crucial as Hegseth needs a majority of Senate votes for confirmation.
• Concerns surrounding Hegseth's character and his suitability for the role were significant discussions in the hearing.
• With a Republican majority, Ernst's support bolsters Hegseth's chances for a successful confirmation.

In a notable shift, **Sen. Joni Ernst** (R-Iowa) has confirmed her support for **Pete Hegseth**’s nomination as Secretary of Defense after a critical confirmation hearing held on January 14, 2025. Once hesitant due to serious allegations against Hegseth, including claims of sexual misconduct—a matter he has strongly denied—Ernst now believes that sufficient grounds exist to move forward with his confirmation. "He was adequately able to answer all of my questions... and I think we're at a point where we now can move forward," Ernst stated in her announcement to local media, reflecting on her thorough discussions with Hegseth during the hearing [ABC News](https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/ernst-shell-vote-confirm-hegseth-defense-secretary/story?id=117681223).

During the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, which Ernst attended and participated in extensively, she queried Hegseth on significant issues such as the role of women in combat positions, audits of Pentagon operations, and commitments to addressing sexual assault within the military. Hegseth assured senators that under his leadership, standards would remain stringent and inclusive concerning women serving in combat roles. Ernst acknowledged Hegseth’s responses, stating, “I do appreciate you sitting down and allowing me the opportunity to question you thoroughly on those issues that are of great importance to me," highlighting her personal approach to this high-stakes nomination [USA Today](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2025/01/14/joni-ernst-pete-hegseth-defense-secretary/77703982007/).

This endorsement from Ernst is pivotal because Hegseth requires a favorable vote from a majority of senators to secure the position, especially given the current Senate makeup of 53 Republicans to 47 Democrats. Historically, with a slim margin of votes needed for confirmation, Ernst's shift in position marks a crucial development for Hegseth's prospects. Moreover, after facing backlash from conservative factions within her party, her decision could ease pressures she faced in months prior as skepticism loomed concerning her stance on Hegseth’s nomination.

Ernst’s support comes in the wake of criticisms she received after initially withholding her endorsement, which had led to speculation about potential challenges to her position in the upcoming elections. Following her encounters with Hegseth, she expressed relief at finally feeling confident to publicly support him, being a fellow combat veteran herself. As the confirmation process unfolds, all eyes will be on the Senate as they consider Hegseth’s suitability for one of the nation’s most significant roles [USA Today](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2025/01/14/joni-ernst-pete-hegseth-defense-secretary/77703982007/).