“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,” Ernst wrote in a statement, released shortly after her 30-minute talk with Hegseth.

“As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources,” she added, leaving her decision open-ended. 

Asked for clarity on whether Ernst will be voting for Hegseth, her office declined to elaborate further on her statement.

Hegseth, a former Fox News host and Army National Guard veteran, has been in political survival mode amid allegations of excessive drinking and the revelation that he made a settlement payment after being accused of sexual assault. Hegseth denies the allegations.

“It was a very productive meeting, and I think we are moving through the process — but he does respect that I am taking the time to spend with him,” Ernst said, getting into an elevator. 

The Iowa senator, a combat veteran who has been vocal about being sexually assaulted, has been under pressure from some of President-elect Donald Trump’s MAGA loyalists who have threatened to mount a primary challenge against her if she tanks Hegseth’s nomination.

.@hegseth emerges from a second meeting with Sen. Ernst calling it a “very good meeting.” He said he’s known her for 10 years, “the more we talk, the more we are reminded that we are two combat veterans and we are dedicated to defense.” pic.twitter.com/xkEoKdoiCH

— Samantha-Jo Roth (@SamanthaJoRoth) December 9, 2024

Hegseth emerged from Ernst’s Senate office on Monday, calling it “a very good meeting with the senator” and emphasizing he has known her for 10 years.

“The more we talk, the more we are reminded that we are two combat veterans who are dedicated to defense,” Hegseth said.

Last week, the Trump transition team was reportedly weighing possible replacements for Hegseth, which included Ernst and Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL). However, Hegseth’s pursuit to lead the Department of Defense continued despite a rough few days of interviews with senators on Capitol Hill last week. 

Over the weekend, Ernst commented on Hegseth’s nomination at a security conference in California. 

”I am a survivor of sexual assault,” Ernst, who has been an outspoken advocate of preventing military sexual assault and has sponsored bipartisan legislation to hold perpetrators accountable, told the audience. 

“I’ve worked very heavily on sexual assault measures within the military. So I’d like to hear a lot more about that,” she said in comments reported by the Associated Press.

Trump can only afford three defections within the Senate Republican Conference to get his picks confirmed, as the GOP will hold a 53-seat majority come January. Other possible defections include Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Susan Collins (R-ME), who are set to meet with Hegseth this week.

Both senators suggested they have many questions and concerns about the nominee and the allegations against him.