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The formal confirmation process won’t begin until Donald Trump is sworn in (again) on January 20, 2025, but ahead of Inauguration Day, Trump’s nominees have been busy making the rounds on Capitol Hill, meeting with senators, and attempting to secure their support. 

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Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, has received an added level of scrutiny following accusations that emerged after he was named. Some of the most notable scrutiny has come from Senator Joni Ernst (R-PA), who expressed reservations on the nomination prior to meeting with Hegseth. 

Iowa Senator Ernst Speaks Out on Hegseth Nomination

OPINION: Pete Hegseth Is on the Path to Confirmation

Following a second meeting between the two on Monday, Ernst issued the following statement:

Ernst after mtg w/Hegseth for a 2nd time: I appreciate Pete Hegseth’s responsiveness and respect for the process. 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. As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources

Now, does “As I support Pete through this process” equal a clear yes? It certainly signals a lean in that direction, while not a full-on declaration that she will vote to confirm, though some are reading it as such. 

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For his part, Hegseth remained somewhat circumspect. 

HASNIE: Do you feel confident leaving that room that she would support you?

HEGSETH: It was great meeting. It was a great meeting.

HASNIE: And will you have another one?

HEGSETH: Whenever she wants. Yeah. But as of right now, it was a great meeting and we look forward to… 

HASNIE: You can’t say that you got her across the finish line just yet?

HEGSETH: I would never speak for her.

Again, though not definitive, Ernst’s latest statement appears to be cause for optimism that Sen. Tom Cotton’s (R-AR) prediction from earlier Monday will bear out. 

Editor’s Note: This article was updated post-publication for clarity.