Would Hegseth be as faithful in office as he was in marriage?

Weddings typically include vows by the groom and bride, vows promising faithfulness. These vows are taken voluntarily before assembled guests, congregations, perhaps even their God, who assume both parties will be bound by their promises.

Nominated to be Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth has made such vows three times. It is a matter of public record that he has broken faithfulness at least twice, perhaps several times, to vows made with his former wives.

How should Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst construe Mr. Hegseth's record of ignoring wedding vows in the light of taking yet another vow, if confirmed, to "faithfully" discharge the duties of office and support and defend the U.S. Constitution? Can we be surprised should Mr. Hegseth yet again ignore a solemn pledge or is this just D.C. business as usual?

Iowa voters should pay attention, when her next election rolls around, to the understanding of faithfulness that Sen. Ernst demonstrates; Sen. Chuck Grassley also.

John Menninger

Iowa City