Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, expressed confidence in the confirmation of Pete Hegseth as the next Secretary of Defense following fellow GOP Senator Joni Ernst's commitment to support him.
Senator Mullin stated that Senator Ernst's decision to back Hegseth all but solidifies his ability to secure the position. He mentioned that other Republicans were observing Ernst's stance and are likely to follow suit after her endorsement.
Senator Ernst, known for her advocacy for women in the military, initially had reservations about supporting Hegseth. However, after Hegseth faced questioning from senators on the Senate Armed Services Committee, Ernst announced her support for President Trump's nominee.
During the hearing, Hegseth assured Ernst of his commitment to appoint a senior-level official dedicated to 'sexual assault prevention and response.' He had multiple discussions with Ernst before the hearing, which contributed to her decision to endorse him.
Senator Mullin commended Ernst for conducting thorough research and giving Hegseth a fair chance. He emphasized that Ernst waited to see the necessary elements before committing to vote for him.
With Senator Ernst's backing, Hegseth's nomination is anticipated to secure adequate votes to progress to the Senate floor, significantly increasing the likelihood of his confirmation as the next Secretary of Defense.
