The confirmation process for Donald Trump’s nominees will officially begin after his inauguration on January 20, 2025. Leading up to the Inauguration Day, Trump’s nominees are actively meeting with senators on Capitol Hill to seek their support.
Pete Hegseth, who has been nominated by Trump for the position of Secretary of Defense, is facing increased scrutiny due to accusations that surfaced after his nomination. Senator Joni Ernst (R-PA) has been particularly critical of his nomination and had reservations before her meeting with Hegseth.
Following a second meeting between the two on Monday, Ernst issued the following statement:
After a second meeting with Hegseth, Senator Ernst stated: “I appreciate Pete Hegseth’s responsiveness and respect for the process. Following our positive discussions, Pete has committed to conducting a thorough audit of the Pentagon and appointing a senior official who will uphold the necessary roles and values.”
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) December 9, 2024
Ernst after mtg w/Hegseth for a 2nd time: I appreciate Pete Hegseth’s responsiveness and respect for the process. Following our encouraging conversations, Pete committed to completing a full audit of the Pentagon and selecting a senior official who will uphold the roles and value of our servicemen and women — based on quality and standards, not quotas — and who will prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual assault within the ranks. As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources
Now, does “As I support Pete through this process” equal a clear yes? It certainly signals a lean in that direction, while not a full-on declaration that she will vote to confirm, though some are reading it as such.Â
For his part, Hegseth remained somewhat circumspect.Â
HASNIE: Do you feel confident leaving that room that she would support you?
HEGSETH: It was great meeting. It was a great meeting.
HASNIE: And will you have another one?
HEGSETH: Whenever she wants. Yeah. But as of right now, it was a great meeting and we look forward to…… https://t.co/kaLGenByWe
— Aishah Hasnie (@aishahhasnie) December 9, 2024
HASNIE: Do you feel confident leaving that room that she would support you?
HEGSETH: It was great meeting. It was a great meeting.
HASNIE: And will you have another one?
HEGSETH: Whenever she wants. Yeah. But as of right now, it was a great meeting and we look forward to…Â
HASNIE: You can’t say that you got her across the finish line just yet?
HEGSETH: I would never speak for her.
Again, though not definitive, Ernst’s latest statement appears to be cause for optimism that Sen. Tom Cotton’s (R-AR) prediction from earlier Monday will bear out.Â
