Sen. Joni Ernst said she will vote to confirm Pete Hegseth as the next secretary of defense, making the controversial nominee's path to the helm of the Pentagon more likely.

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

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.