Ernst commits to 'thorough vetting' for Hegseth, says 'I am a survivor of sexual assault'
The Iowa Republican expressed her enthusiasm about meeting with the former Fox News and veteran host next week, stating that she's "excited" for the opportunity.
TroibNews 
**SIMI VALLEY, California** — Senator Joni Ernst, a key swing vote on Pete Hegseth’s contentious nomination for defense secretary, has indicated she is not yet prepared to support him, sharing insights as a sexual assault survivor and advocate for others.
As questions regarding Hegseth's confirmation grow, Ernst's comments mark her most explicit and public expression of hesitance regarding his support, particularly in light of allegations surrounding his behavior, including claims of misconduct and excessive drinking. Hegseth has also publicly questioned the role of women in combat.
Her remarks came during a panel at the annual Reagan National Defense Forum held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, where she highlighted her advocacy work on the Senate Armed Services Committee for survivors of military sexual trauma, drawing on her personal experiences. Ernst, a retired lieutenant colonel in the Iowa National Guard, holds the distinction of being the first female combat veteran in the Senate.
“I am a survivor of sexual assault so I have worked very heavily on sexual assault measures within the military, so I’d like to hear a little more about that, and I’d like to hear about the role of women in our great United States military,” Ernst stated in her address.
She emphasized the necessity for Hegseth to undergo a comprehensive vetting process that includes a public hearing, calling such a process “incredibly important.”
“I am excited to sit down with him again, but there will be a very thorough vetting before he moves forward. So [I] look forward to seeing him in front of the committee as well — and I know that he’ll be there and have to answer some very tough questions,” she noted.
In 2017, Hegseth faced accusations of sexual assault from a woman, which he denies, and later reached a legal settlement without being charged. He has served as an Army National Guard officer and is a known veterans advocate, co-hosting "Fox & Friends Weekend" and having served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay.
When questioned about whether Hegseth’s accuser should come forward, Ernst responded, "I think there are ways that the FBI will vet this and present it to the committee. So I trust in that process and I look forward to that opportunity.”
During the same panel discussion focused on Middle East security, Rep. Patrick Ryan expressed concerns that Hegseth’s controversial views on Islam would hinder his effectiveness as defense secretary. Notably, Hegseth was reported to have chanted anti-Muslim slurs during a 2015 bar incident, has advocated for militant Christianity, and sports tattoos with Crusades-era symbolism.
“In a non-partisan way I’ve tried to talk about the seriousness of this moment that we are in and the unseriousness of Mr. Hegseth for this job,” Ryan remarked.
“We’re now going to sit with the Saudis … and the [future] secretary of defense has insulted their whole way of life and their faith? That would be devastating,” he added.
Hegseth plans a busy week in Washington as he works to gain the support of Republican senators. According to an aide who spoke on the condition of anonymity, he has 21 meetings scheduled, including with Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, who are seen as potential swing votes against him, as well as Senators Ted Cruz, Josh Hawley, and Mike Crapo.
Former President Trump has reiterated his endorsement of Hegseth, labeling him a “WINNER” with “strong and deep” support. Meanwhile, Hegseth has already been meeting with GOP senators to consolidate backing, even as Trump considers alternative candidates such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
When asked if all Republican women might collectively oppose Hegseth due to the allegations, Senator Deb Fischer, a senior Senate Armed Services Committee member, replied in the negative.
“We’re non-monolithic on a variety of issues,” she stated.
Fischer expressed confidence that Hegseth would not withdraw from consideration or be asked to do so by Trump.
“I think if that's the case, I think it's important to have a public hearing,” she suggested. “I think it's important for the American people to watch us on the committee and see how we ask questions and what we focus on, and then to watch him and see how he answers them, and then take a public vote in the committee. And then we’ll see.”
Senator Angus King, also a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, voiced concerns regarding the political pressure faced by his Republican colleagues who prioritize national defense.
“They’re in a very tough place,” King said. “Here’s what concerns me: I saw a story where someone in the president-elect’s circle said, essentially, any Republican who bucks us is going to be primaried and Elon Musk will fund the primary.”
Hegseth’s support within Republican circles appears to fluctuate frequently. With several weeks remaining until Trump assumes office, additional allegations may emerge, but any developments from the FBI’s ongoing investigation into Hegseth, particularly if they validate previous claims, are anticipated to hold significant weight.
“It seems like there's something new every two or three days,” King commented. “I’m very concerned about what I’ve seen, and I don’t want somebody who could be compromised in terms of his ability to do the job, or could be compromised by actions that he'd taken in the past that would lead to somebody having a hold over him.”
James del Carmen contributed to this report for TROIB News
As questions regarding Hegseth's confirmation grow, Ernst's comments mark her most explicit and public expression of hesitance regarding his support, particularly in light of allegations surrounding his behavior, including claims of misconduct and excessive drinking. Hegseth has also publicly questioned the role of women in combat.
Her remarks came during a panel at the annual Reagan National Defense Forum held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, where she highlighted her advocacy work on the Senate Armed Services Committee for survivors of military sexual trauma, drawing on her personal experiences. Ernst, a retired lieutenant colonel in the Iowa National Guard, holds the distinction of being the first female combat veteran in the Senate.
“I am a survivor of sexual assault so I have worked very heavily on sexual assault measures within the military, so I’d like to hear a little more about that, and I’d like to hear about the role of women in our great United States military,” Ernst stated in her address.
She emphasized the necessity for Hegseth to undergo a comprehensive vetting process that includes a public hearing, calling such a process “incredibly important.”
“I am excited to sit down with him again, but there will be a very thorough vetting before he moves forward. So [I] look forward to seeing him in front of the committee as well — and I know that he’ll be there and have to answer some very tough questions,” she noted.
In 2017, Hegseth faced accusations of sexual assault from a woman, which he denies, and later reached a legal settlement without being charged. He has served as an Army National Guard officer and is a known veterans advocate, co-hosting "Fox & Friends Weekend" and having served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay.
When questioned about whether Hegseth’s accuser should come forward, Ernst responded, "I think there are ways that the FBI will vet this and present it to the committee. So I trust in that process and I look forward to that opportunity.”
During the same panel discussion focused on Middle East security, Rep. Patrick Ryan expressed concerns that Hegseth’s controversial views on Islam would hinder his effectiveness as defense secretary. Notably, Hegseth was reported to have chanted anti-Muslim slurs during a 2015 bar incident, has advocated for militant Christianity, and sports tattoos with Crusades-era symbolism.
“In a non-partisan way I’ve tried to talk about the seriousness of this moment that we are in and the unseriousness of Mr. Hegseth for this job,” Ryan remarked.
“We’re now going to sit with the Saudis … and the [future] secretary of defense has insulted their whole way of life and their faith? That would be devastating,” he added.
Hegseth plans a busy week in Washington as he works to gain the support of Republican senators. According to an aide who spoke on the condition of anonymity, he has 21 meetings scheduled, including with Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, who are seen as potential swing votes against him, as well as Senators Ted Cruz, Josh Hawley, and Mike Crapo.
Former President Trump has reiterated his endorsement of Hegseth, labeling him a “WINNER” with “strong and deep” support. Meanwhile, Hegseth has already been meeting with GOP senators to consolidate backing, even as Trump considers alternative candidates such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
When asked if all Republican women might collectively oppose Hegseth due to the allegations, Senator Deb Fischer, a senior Senate Armed Services Committee member, replied in the negative.
“We’re non-monolithic on a variety of issues,” she stated.
Fischer expressed confidence that Hegseth would not withdraw from consideration or be asked to do so by Trump.
“I think if that's the case, I think it's important to have a public hearing,” she suggested. “I think it's important for the American people to watch us on the committee and see how we ask questions and what we focus on, and then to watch him and see how he answers them, and then take a public vote in the committee. And then we’ll see.”
Senator Angus King, also a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, voiced concerns regarding the political pressure faced by his Republican colleagues who prioritize national defense.
“They’re in a very tough place,” King said. “Here’s what concerns me: I saw a story where someone in the president-elect’s circle said, essentially, any Republican who bucks us is going to be primaried and Elon Musk will fund the primary.”
Hegseth’s support within Republican circles appears to fluctuate frequently. With several weeks remaining until Trump assumes office, additional allegations may emerge, but any developments from the FBI’s ongoing investigation into Hegseth, particularly if they validate previous claims, are anticipated to hold significant weight.
“It seems like there's something new every two or three days,” King commented. “I’m very concerned about what I’ve seen, and I don’t want somebody who could be compromised in terms of his ability to do the job, or could be compromised by actions that he'd taken in the past that would lead to somebody having a hold over him.”
James del Carmen contributed to this report for TROIB News
