Jan 16, 2025 · When U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst announced this week she will vote to confirm Pete Hegseth as the nation’s next secretary of defense, it underlined President-elect Donald Trump’s immense sway over...

Jan 15, 2025 · Iowa's Republican U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst said Tuesday she will vote to confirm Pete Hegseth to lead the U.S. Department of Defense, ending weeks of speculation about whether she would stand in...

Jan 14, 2025 · U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst pressed Pete Hegseth about women’s roles in the military and thanked him for their “frank” discussions as he sat before an often-contentious hearing on his nomination...

Jan 15, 2025 · Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a key member of the Senate Armed Services Committee who has championed women serving in combat roles, announced Tuesday that she will vote for Pete Hegseth,...

6 days ago · The Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as the nation's defense secretary Friday in a dramatic late-night vote, swatting back questions about his qualifications to lead the Pentagon amid allegations of...

Jan 14, 2025 · Several hours after the hearing ended, she announced her support for him on WHO Newsradio 1040, a radio station in Des Moines. Her questioning of Mr. Hegseth during the session was friendly.

Dec 9, 2024 · “I appreciate Pete Hegseth’s responsiveness and respect for the process," said Ernst, ... Backlash to Iowa Republican US Sen. Joni Ernst mounts amid Pete Hegseth nomination fight. ... Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at [email protected] or 515-284-8244.

Jan 15, 2025 · Asked directly about the sexual assault allegation, Hegseth dismissed it as a “smear campaign," as he did in response to a rapid-fire series of questions about his personal behavior and complaints of drinking on the job. He has vowed not to drink alcohol if he is confirmed to lead the Pentagon.

Dec 5, 2024 · DES MOINES, Iowa — Both of Iowa’s United States Senators are busy this week meeting with nominees for positions in the Trump administration cabinet. Senator Joni Ernst took to X after meeting with the nomination for U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete …

5 days ago · Des Moines, IA » Weather Closings. Today's Forecast ... Pete Hegseth was confirmed as President Donald Trump's choice for secretary of defense. The vote, which tallied at 50-50, ended with a tiebreaking vote cast by Vice President JD Vance due to his responsibilities as President of the Senate.