Senator Joni Ernst demands answers on military sexual assault and women in combat
- Pete Hegseth stated that women should not serve in military combat roles during a podcast which created controversy.
- Senator Joni Ernst, an Army veteran and sexual assault survivor, seeks clarification on Hegseth's views before deciding on his nomination.
- Hegseth aims to address concerns raised by lawmakers and emphasizes his commitment to all military personnel.
In early November 2020, Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of Defense-designate, faced scrutiny over comments he made regarding women in military combat roles during a podcast appearance. Hegseth, an Army veteran and former media personality, stated that women should not serve in combat roles, arguing it has complicated operations and has not improved effectiveness. His remarks sparked backlash and concerns from various lawmakers, particularly female veterans who felt it undermined their contributions and experiences. Senator Joni Ernst, a combat veteran and survivor of sexual assault, expressed her desire to discuss Hegseth's views on this issue and emphasized the importance of addressing sexual assault in the military. Ernst, part of the Republican Senate, indicated she requires more information before supporting Hegseth's nomination, as she has been actively involved in improving how sexual assault is handled within the armed forces. Hegseth's path to confirmation has been marred by allegations about excessive drinking and a prior sexual assault claim that he denies but settled. He contended that the accusations against him have been misconsTrued and are part of a smear campaign while asserting his commitment to serving all members of the military, both men and women. Hegseth looked forward to engaging with senators during the confirmation processes and addressing their concerns directly, emphasizing a thorough vetting process to clarify his stances and past actions.