GOP Sen. Joni Ernst said Thursday “we will continue with the vetting process” when it comes to considering President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, and would not yet commit to supporting his nomination.
Pressed by Fox host Bill Hemmer that it “doesn’t sound in your answer that you got to a yes” in responding to a previous question about Hegseth, Ernst responded “I think you are right.”
Ernst is a key senator for Hegseth to win over, well-regarded by her colleagues and both a combat veteran and sexual assault survivor. Hegseth has said women should not be in combat roles and been accused of sexual assault, which he has denied.
Meanwhile, Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville, a staunch Trump ally, also downplayed allegations Hegseth has faced for alcohol abuse, saying drinking is “part of our society.”
“I think at times, we’ve all — if we indulge in an alcoholic beverage, you’ve had a problem or two, not whether it’s a habit, it’s just, it’s something that’s in society. I mean, we, we can’t — if you live in a glass house, don’t throw stones, right?”
He added, “I’m not saying Pete’s involved in all that. I’m just saying this part of our our life, and, you know, it’s legal.”
GOP Sen. Mike Rounds told CNN that he does “see a path forward,” for Hegseth to be confirmed after their meeting earlier today.
The South Dakota Republican also told reporters that he’s not ready to commit to backing Hegseth — yet.
Rounds noted that during the meeting, Hegseth was “not running away” from the allegations against him. “He’s hitting stuff head on, which is exactly what you want.”
Republican Sen. Katie Britt said she asked Hegseth about the “allegations that have been reported by the media” during their meeting today on Capitol Hill.
“During our conversation, I asked direct questions about allegations that have been reported by the media, which Pete answered with candor and transparency. Based on our meeting and his answers, he has my support,” Britt posted on X.
This post has been updated with additional reactions.
