Republican Senator Joni Ernst has voiced significant reservations about President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, citing the need for further clarity on critical issues.
Speaking at the Reagan National Defense Forum in California on Saturday, Ernst stated she needed more information about Hegseth’s views and plans before deciding whether to support his nomination.
Senator Ernst is a retired Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and a combat veteran.
Accordint to the news agency AP, Ernst said, “As a survivor of sexual assault, I have worked heavily on measures to improve how such cases are handled within the military”.
“I’d like to hear more about his stance on this and the role of women in combat”, she added.
Hegseth’s controversies under scrutiny
Hegseth, a former “Fox & Friends” host and infantry combat veteran, faces allegations of excessive drinking and a 2017 sexual assault accusation, which he denies. The allegations have raised questions about his suitability to lead the Pentagon, particularly since he has no prior leadership experience within the department.
Responding to these claims, Hegseth stated on Megyn Kelly’s ‘SiriusXM’ show that the assault accusation was a “really unfortunate situation,” claiming he settled to avoid potential fallout on his career at Fox News.
Despite these controversies, Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance have defended Hegseth, describing him as highly capable. Trump remarked in an interview with NBC’s ‘Meet the Press’ that “Pete is doing well now,” expressing confidence in his confirmation.
Republican Senators weigh in
Ernst is not alone in her cautious approach. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) are among those yet to be convinced, while Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) has emphasised the importance of a public hearing.
According to AP, Fischer noted that such a process would provide transparency, allowing the American public to witness both the questioning and Hegseth’s responses.
As per Politico, Ernst also raised concerns about Hegseth’s views on women in combat, referencing his comments that women “straight up” should not serve in such roles. Additionally, Ernst highlighted the importance of financial management within the Department of Defense, which oversees a vast $877 billion budget.
Challenges ahead for Hegseth
Hegseth faces a difficult path to confirmation. He has been meeting with Republican senators, including potential swing voters, in an effort to garner support. However, the FBI’s ongoing investigation into the allegations against him could significantly impact his prospects.
Senator Angus King (I-Maine) expressed concerns about the pressure being placed on Republican senators to support Hegseth, cautioning against political interference in the vetting process. “I don’t want someone compromised by actions from the past that could jeopardise their ability to do the job,” King stated.
As Ernst and other senators await further clarification, Hegseth is expected to face rigorous questioning during his confirmation hearing, a process Ernst described as “incredibly important for transparency and fairness.”