Joni Ernst announced this week she will vote to confirm Pete Hegseth as the nation’s next secretary of defense, it underlined President-elect Donald Trump’s immense sway over Congress and the grassroots in Iowa as he returns to the White House.

Iowa Senator Joni Ernst announced that she would vote for Pete Hegseth to become Defense Secretary, making his path to Senate confirmation much easier.

The Iowa senator supports Pete Hegseth for Defense secretary, despite allegations of assault and drinking — but she doesn’t want to talk about it.

Iowa's Republican U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst said Tuesday she will vote to confirm Pete Hegseth to lead the U.S. Department of Defense, ending weeks of speculation about whether she would stand in opposition to President-elect Donald Trump.

(ABC 6 News) — Iowa Senator Joni Ernst has found an ally across the aisle in helping pass “Sarah’s Law.” It is in honor of Sarah Root, who was killed by a drunk driver back in 2016. The bill is currently being considered as an amendment to the Laken Riley Act, which is on the Senate floor.

Joni Ernst had been seen as a key hurdle to Pete Hegseth’s confirmation. She approached her questions firmly but without confrontation Tuesday.

Sarah’s Law was being considered as an amendment to the Laken Riley Act, which is on the Senate floor this week.

The Iowa Republican’s decision dramatically increases the likelihood that Mr. Hegseth will have enough votes to be confirmed as President-elect Donald J. Trump’s defense secretary.

Ernst, an Army veteran and rape survivor, had previously expressed concerns over Hegseth’s past comments about women in combat roles and the allegations of sexual misconduct leveled against

Letters published Jan. 13-19, 2025, deal with state government and the resolution of Des Moines' Greenwood Park art installation saga.

Iowa Senator Joni Ernst says she will support Pete Hegseth’s nomination to lead the U.S. Defense Department. Ernst issued a written statement of support after Hegseth appeared yesterday at a hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Some MAGA-minded Republicans have suggested Kari Lake, an Iowa native, should challenge U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst in a primary in 2026.