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

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.

Sen. Chuck Grassley snapped a photo of Elon Musk, while Gov. Kim Reynolds attended alongside her husband, Kevin.

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.

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

(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.

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.

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

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

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 ...