Hegseth Is Defiant as Ernst Declines to Back Defense Nominee

Senate Republican Joni Ernst, a combat veteran and rape survivor influential with GOP colleagues on military matters, pointedly declined to support Pete Hegseth’s embattled defense secretary nomination, calling for further investigation of allegations against him.

Her comments, a day after a private meeting with Hegseth, show Donald Trump’s defense secretary nominee unable to turn the tide of a rising storm of criticism. More allegations of sexual misconduct, alcohol abuse and mismanagement of two veterans organizations are surfacing. And Trump has begun to examine alternative prospects.

Pete Hegseth on Capitol Hill on Wednesday

Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg

Hegseth was defiant Thursday, saying he is determined to carry out ...