Key Republican Ernst Bolsters Hegseth Defense Nomination (2)

Senator Joni Ernst, a key player in the struggle over Pete Hegseth’s confirmation as defense secretary, offered a boost on Monday to President-elect Donald Trump’s embattled nominee.

“As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources,” Ernst, an Iowa Republican, said in a statement after meeting with Hegseth.

His nomination is mired in allegations of sexual misconduct along with accusations of alcohol abuse and mismanagement of two veterans organizations.

Pete Hegseth, center, and his wife Jennifer Rauchet, left, on Capitol Hill while meeting with Republican Senators in on Monday.

Photographer: Nathan Howard/Bloomberg

Ernst, a combat veteran and rape survivor who is an influential voice on military matters in ...