Joni Ernst Questions Pete Hegseth on Women in Combat Roles, Audit of Defense Department
Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican from Iowa, questioned Pete Hegseth, the nominee for secretary of Defense, on Tuesday morning about three “very important issues” surrounding the military. The first issue Ernst brought up was the role of women in combat. She asked Hegseth if he would support the continued opportunity for women to serve in combat roles, to which Hegseth responded, “Yes, women will have access to ground combat roles, combat roles given the standards remain high, and we’ll have a review to ensure the standards have not been eroded.”
Ernst also inquired about the issue of sexual assault in the military, stating that it is “a priority of mine and something that I have worked on” with her colleague, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. She asked Hegseth if he would appoint a senior-level official dedicated to sexual assault prevention and response, to which he promised that he would.
Additionally, Ernst expressed her concerns about an audit of the Department of Defense, which Hegseth also addressed, stating that he supports an audit and has called for one in the past.
Other Democratic Senators, including Jeanne Shaheen and Kirsten Gillibrand, also grilled Hegseth on issues surrounding women in the military, including the need for equal opportunities for women to advance in their military careers. Hegseth responded that he believes women in the military have made significant contributions and have the potential to rise to leadership positions, but he emphasized the need to ensure that standards are maintained to prevent the erosion of capabilities.
Ernst initially withheld her public support for Hegseth’s nomination, but has since signaled her endorsement. However, it was reported that the Trump orbit is expected to ramp up criticisms against Ernst due to her initial hesitation.