A senator told Hegseth: "I suggest you do a little homework before you prepare for these types of negotiations."

Sen. John Curtis said he’s decided to support President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Defense secretary, Pete Hegseth. The Utah Republican was one of a few GOP senators who had not declared how he would vote on Hegseth’s nomination. This makes Hegseth much more likely to clinch the Cabinet position.

Iowa Senator Joni Ernst announced that she would vote for Pete Hegseth to become Defense Secretary, making his path to Senate confirmation much easier.

SALT LAKE CITY ( ABC4) — The day after the confirmation hearing of Pete Hegseth — President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary — Sen. John Curtis, R-Utah, released a statement saying he will be voting in favor of Hegseth’s nomination.

Pete Hegseth, center, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be defense secretary, is joined by his wife Jennifer Rauchet, right, as they depart a meeting with Republican House members, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Sen. Joni Ernst’s support is a huge boost to Hegseth’s prospects, all but assuring his confirmation as defense secretary barring twists in the GOP-led Senate.

Republicans appear poised to confirm Trump’s controversial nominee to lead the government’s largest and most complex agency

Ernst, an Army veteran and rape survivor, had previously expressed concerns over Hegseth’s past comments about women in combat roles and the allegations of sexual misconduct leveled against

Trump's pick to lead the Pentagon endured fierce Democratic grilling over everything from his inexperience, alleged drinking and his past opposition to women in combat to emerge largely unscathed among Republicans at his confirmation hearing.

The Senate begins holding confirmation hearings Tuesday for President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks, starting with Pete Hegseth for defense secretary.

Pete Hegseth, Trump's pick for secretary of defense, faced questioning from Sen. Warren and Sen. Shaheen over his comments on women in the military.

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary, has publicly faced senators for the first time.