WASHINGTON – Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican from Iowa, confirmed on Tuesday evening that she will support Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host, for the position of Secretary of Defense following his first confirmation hearing.

“He effectively addressed all my inquiries, highlighted the rising concerns within the Pentagon, and I believe we can proceed positively from this point,” Ernst shared with local radio host Simon Conway.

During the confirmation hearing, Ernst was a pivotal figure to observe. Being a military veteran and a survivor of sexual assault, she had expressed reservations about Hegseth, who has faced sexual assault allegations—claims he denies—and has made statements suggesting that women should not be in combat roles. Back in November, Ernst suggested he would “have his work cut out for him” in securing Senate confirmation.

However, during her questioning, Ernst showed respect for Hegseth. She read a supportive letter for him and mentioned that she had the opportunity to “thoroughly” discuss her concerns, particularly regarding women’s participation in the military and the fight against sexual assault.

“You and I have engaged in many constructive discussions. And for those listening, we’ve had very honest conversations,” she noted.

To assume leadership of the Department of Defense under President-elect Donald Trump in his second term, Hegseth requires a majority of Senate votes. Given the Republican majority of 53-47, this should be manageable for most candidates.

Yet, Hegseth’s path is complicated due to persistent allegations of a 2017 sexual assault and claims of job-related alcohol abuse. The woman who accused him of assault filed a police report, and according to his attorney, Hegseth paid her a settlement to retain his position at Fox.

Hegseth has consistently denied these allegations, calling them part of a “coordinated smear campaign.” He assured Ernst and other senators on Tuesday that under his leadership, women would be able to take on combat roles, “as long as the standards are kept high” for their qualifications.

If he were to lose the backing of just a few Republican senators, his confirmation could be at risk. Ernst’s endorsement indicates he might garner sufficient GOP votes to be confirmed.

In December, Ernst met with Hegseth after facing significant backlash from conservative factions regarding her initial reluctance to support his nomination.

A conservative commentator even threatened to challenge Ernst in the Republican primary for the 2026 elections, while the state’s GOP attorney general wrote a piece criticizing “D.C. politicians” in the conservative publication Breitbart for disregarding constituent voices. Additionally, an advertisement campaign funded by Elon Musk, an ally of Trump, accused “the deep state” of attempting to block Hegseth’s nomination.

One of Trump’s nominees stepped back due to allegations of sexual misconduct: Former Representative Matt Gaetz, a Republican from Florida who was nominated as attorney general, withdrew from consideration in November following claims—denied by him—that he had engaged in sexual activities with prostitutes, including minors.