Key Senator Declines Meeting with Hegseth Accuser Ahead of Defense Confirmation Hearings

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On the eve of confirmation hearings for Donald Trump‘s embattled nominee for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, reports emerged that Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a key member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, declined an offer to meet privately with a woman who accused Hegseth of sexual assault. The New Yorker first reported the story, citing three sources familiar with the overtures to Ernst’s office.

Ernst’s office disputed the report in communications with Rolling Stone, claiming no such invitation was received or refused. “[Ernst] did not decline an invitation — because she did not receive or refuse one,” said Palmer Brigham, Ernst’s communications director. However, The New Yorker stood by its reporting, stating that Ernst’s office did not respond to repeated inquiries about the alleged refusal to meet with the accuser.

Sen. Ernst, a veteran and survivor of sexual assault, has been a vocal advocate for female service members and played a pivotal role in the 2022 Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act. Her stance on Hegseth’s nomination is seen as critical, given her position on the Armed Services Committee. Initially hesitant to support Hegseth due to the sexual assault allegations, Ernst appeared to soften her position following private meetings with the nominee and pressure from President Trump’s allies.

The allegations against Hegseth stem from a 2017 incident at a Republican women’s conference in Monterey, California. The accuser filed a police report and underwent a sexual assault forensic exam, but no criminal charges were filed. Hegseth has denied the allegations, though he reportedly paid an undisclosed settlement to the woman. His lawyer claimed the payment was made to avoid jeopardizing his position at Fox News, where he was a host at the time.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), another Republican senator, also declined an offer to meet with Hegseth’s accuser, according to The New Yorker. Collins’ press secretary, Blake Kernen, confirmed that the senator was approached by a third party but emphasized that the individual was not representing the accuser. “Senator Collins believes when a person has allegations about a nominee that they feel are relevant, those allegations should be brought to the committee that will be considering the nomination,” Kernen said.

During Tuesday’s confirmation hearings, Ernst appeared to support Hegseth, asking him about his commitment to addressing sexual assault in the military. “As secretary of defense, will you appoint a senior-level official dedicated to sexual assault prevention and response?” she asked. Hegseth affirmed his commitment, stating, “Senator, as we’ve discussed, yes, I will.”

The New Yorker’s report has sparked debate over the handling of sexual assault allegations in high-profile nominations, particularly in light of Ernst’s advocacy for survivors. The magazine’s representative told Rolling Stone, “We stand by our reporting,” noting that Ernst’s office has not requested a correction to the story.