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Hegseth Lands Key Vote for Confirmation

Katie Pavlich
Katie Pavlich  |  January 14, 2025 6:30 PM

UPDATE: Republican Senator Joni Ernst is officially voting to confirm Hegseth. 

“After four years of weakness in the White House, Americans deserve a strong Secretary of Defense. Our next commander in chief selected Pete Hegseth to serve in this role, and after our conversations, hearing from Iowans, and doing my job as a United States Senator, I will support President Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense," Ernst released in a statement Monday night. "As I serve on the Armed Services Committee, I will work with Pete to create the most lethal fighting force and hold him to his commitments of auditing the Pentagon, ensuring opportunity for women in combat while maintaining high standards, and selecting a senior official to address and prevent sexual assault in the ranks.”

***Original story***

Just hours after the conclusion of a confirmation hearing for Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth Tuesday, Senators are weighing in on his chances of being confirmed. Hegseth can afford to lose only three votes. 

“Pete did a very good job answering difficult questions at today’s hearing while laying out a vision to reform the Pentagon and to be the warfighters’ biggest champion," Republican Senator Lindsey Graham released in a statement. “Democratic attacks were overly personal and fell flat. It was clear Pete was more prepared for the hearing than my Democratic colleagues."

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“With today’s performance, I believe Pete Hegseth’s path to confirmation has been assured,” Graham continued. 

CNN is reporting Republican Majority Leader John Thune is confident Hegseth will get across the finish line when his nomination comes to the Senate floor for a final vote. 

Hegseth could be confirmed as early as Monday, shortly after President-elect Trump is officially sworn in. Confirmation hearings for Trump's other Cabinet members are already on the schedule with seven, including for Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi, happening Wednesday.