Latest Joni Ernst News

How key Republican senators are responding to Trump allies' primary threats

Jan. 25, 2025 09:59 AM EST

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — From activists on the far right to Elon Musk, allies of President Donald Trump have been quick to threaten primary challengers for Republican senators who don't back his Cabinet picks and legislative priorities. In the case of Iowa's Joni Ernst,...

Hegseth confirmed as Trump's defense secretary in tie-breaking vote despite turmoil over his conduct

Jan. 24, 2025 23:00 PM EST

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as the nation's defense secretary late Friday in a dramatic tie-breaking vote, swatting back questions about his qualifications to lead the Pentagon amid allegations of heavy drinking and aggressive behavior toward women. Rarely...

Senate advances Pete Hegseth as Trump's defense secretary, despite allegations

Jan. 23, 2025 17:50 PM EST

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate advanced the nomination of Pete Hegseth as President Donald Trump's defense secretary Thursday on a largely party-line vote, despite grave objections from Democrats and stirring unease among Republicans over his behavior and qualifications to lead the U.S. military. ...

Editorial Roundup: United States

Jan. 21, 2025 15:37 PM EST

Excerpts from recent editorials in the United States and abroad: ___ Jan. 21 The Washington Post on the need for transparency from social media platforms Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has taken a lot of heat since he announced last week that he...

Key takeaways from Pete Hegseth's fiery confirmation hearing

Jan. 15, 2025 08:18 AM EST

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary, publicly faced senators for the first time after weeks of questions from Democrats — and praise from Republicans — about his “unconventional” resume. Hegseth, a combat veteran and...

What Americans think about Pete Hegseth, Trump's defense secretary pick

Jan. 14, 2025 15:31 PM EST

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Hegseth faced an important test in his fiery confirmation hearing on Tuesday — but he didn't just have to prove himself to the senators who immediately began sparring over his nomination as defense secretary. The hearing was also an opportunity for Hegseth to make his...

The Latest: Pete Hegseth’s confirmation hearing adjourns following Senate questioning

Jan. 14, 2025 14:36 PM EST

Confirmation hearings for Donald Trump’s cabinet picks begin this week, starting with Trump’s choice for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth. The hearing was held Tuesday with senators questioning whether the former combat veteran and TV news show host is fit to lead the U.S. military. ...

What to watch as Pete Hegseth faces questions about his experience and personal past

Jan. 14, 2025 00:05 AM EST

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth will publicly face senators for the first time Tuesday after weeks of privately pushing back on criticism over his qualifications and personal past. Hegseth, a 44-year-old Army National Guard veteran and former Fox News...

Fate of Trump's Cabinet picks unclear as Republicans prepare to take power in Senate

Dec. 25, 2024 07:28 AM EST

WASHINGTON (AP) — The fate of President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet is still unclear after Republican senators spent much of December carefully dodging questions about Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ’s views on vaccines, accusations of sexual misconduct against Pete Hegseth and Tulsi Gabbard's 2017...