He can communicate so well to the American people," Waltz said, adding that Hegseth can articulate "why we need what we need for our troops, and that is a critical piece that President Trump values, as well.

Iowa's Republican U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst said Tuesday she will vote to confirm Pete Hegseth to lead the U.S. Department of Defense, ending weeks of speculation about whether she would stand in opposition to President-elect Donald Trump.