BREAKING: Iowa Sen Joni Ernst backs Pete Hegseth for Defense Sec

Ersnt told Fox Digital that she offered her official endorsement of his nomination to the position at the head of the Department of Defense. "After four years of weakness in the White House, Americans deserve a strong Secretary of Defense," she said.

"Our next commander in chief selected Pete Hegseth to serve in this role," Ernst said, "and after our conversations, hearing from Iowans, and doing my job as a United States Senator, I will support President Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense. As I serve on the Armed Services Committee, I will work with Pete to create the most lethal fighting force and hold him to his commitments of auditing the Pentagon, ensuring opportunity for women in combat while maintaining high standards, and selecting a senior official to address and prevent sexual assault in the ranks."

Ersnt had said after President-elect Donald Trump nominated Hegseth that she had misgiving about the appointment, which resulted in substantial backlash against her across social media. Hegseth's performance at the hearing, however, pushed away all doubt for Ernst as Hegseth defended himself against attacks on his personal life and allegations that he was not suitable for the position because he had never been in a position like it previously.

As head of the DOD, Hegseth will be in charge of some 3 million members of the US Armed Forces and Pentagon staff. He is a veteran of the military after serving for 20 years and saw combat. After his service, he worked with a non-profit to get veterans the help they need and has also been a Fox News anchor.