A new controversy surrounds Republican Senator Joni Ernst as allegations emerge about her personal relationships with military officials who lobbied her Senate committee.
According to the Daily Mail, Ernst's office has strongly denied claims that she had inappropriate romantic relationships with two high-ranking military officials, including Major General Christopher Finerty, calling the accusations a "scandalous lie."
The allegations came to light following a ProPublica report, which cited multiple sources claiming Ernst was involved with Finerty and a Navy legislative affairs official. The timing of these relationships raised ethical concerns due to Ernst's position on the Senate Armed Services Committee, which oversees Pentagon operations and military affairs.
Major General Finerty's conduct became the subject of an Air Force inspector general investigation, resulting in a 41-page report completed in September 2023. The investigation, initiated after a January 2023 complaint, uncovered evidence of multiple inappropriate relationships with women working on Capitol Hill.
The report documented Finerty's involvement in sexual and unprofessional relationships with five women, including explicit sexual content and photos shared with an enlisted member. While the names of the women were redacted in the report, it remains unclear whether Ernst was among those mentioned.
Finerty's lawyer has defended his client, emphasizing that the investigation found no evidence of conflicts of interest or undue influence involving Capitol Hill personnel. The lawyer declined to confirm or deny any relationship between Finerty and Ernst.
Ernst's office issued a statement dismissing the allegations as tabloid journalism, maintaining that her work in the Senate is guided solely by her constituents and constitutional duties. A spokesperson said:
The fake news media is clearly too busy gossiping to report the real news that Senator Ernst is focused on cutting waste at the Pentagon. Her vote and work in the Senate are guided by the voices of Iowans who elected her and her constitutional duty alone. Any insinuation otherwise by tabloid "journalism" is a slanderous lie – full stop.
The accusations have drawn attention to potential ethical considerations regarding relationships between lawmakers and military officials. While Senate rules do not explicitly prohibit romantic relationships between legislators and lobbyists, ethics experts suggest such relationships could create conflicts of interest.
As the first woman combat veteran in the Senate, Ernst's role on the Armed Services Committee carries significant weight in military oversight. The 54-year-old Iowa senator, who served in the Iowa Army National Guard during the Iraq War, has been particularly vocal on issues concerning Pentagon oversight and military sexual misconduct.
The timing of these allegations is particularly sensitive, as Ernst recently played a crucial role in supporting Pete Hegseth's confirmation as defense secretary. Her position on the committee gives her substantial influence over military affairs and Pentagon operations.
The controversy has sparked discussions about the broader implications of personal relationships between lawmakers and those they oversee, even when such relationships are not explicitly prohibited by Senate rules.
Senator Joni Ernst faces allegations of romantic involvement with two military officials who lobbied her Senate committee, including Major General Christopher Finerty and a Navy legislative affairs official, around 2019.
The claims emerged following an Air Force inspector general investigation into Finerty's conduct with multiple women on Capitol Hill, though Ernst's office firmly denies any inappropriate relationships. As investigations continue and discussions about ethical implications persist, the senator maintains her focus on constituent service and Pentagon oversight through her role on the Armed Services Committee.
