Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) has reversed her stance on the nomination of Fox News host Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, now pledging to support the veteran’s confirmation to the nation’s highest military position.

As Breitbart reports, a video posted to the social media site X by the account “Trump War Room” shows Ernst admitting that she would “be supporting” Hegseth’s confirmation as President-elect Donald Trump’s Defense Secretary. Hegseth went through his first confirmation hearing on Tuesday, facing bizarre and nonsensical questions from Democrats while Republicans defended his qualifications for the position.

“He was adequately able to answer all of my questions,” said Senator Ernst. “He pointed out all of the woke issues at the Pentagon. And, I think we’re at a point where now we can start moving forward.”

“So, yes, I will be supporting President Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth,” she continued.

Ernst had previously said she was not sure if she would support Hegseth’s confirmation, citing his opposition to women serving in combat roles in the military. After widespread backlash from conservatives, including threats of primary challengers in her upcoming re-election in 2026, Ernst backed down and pledged to support the nominee after all.

Hegseth is widely considered one of the most contentious of President-elect Trump’s Cabinet nominees, alongside former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (R-Hawaii) for Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). If these three nominees are confirmed, it is expected that the remainder of Trump’s nominees will be easily confirmed as well.