Morning Joe Crew Mock ‘Panicked’ Joni Ernst Cornered in Elevator by Press Over Pete Hegseth Support

MSNBC’s Morning Joe mocked Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) on Tuesday over her awkward attempt to dodge reporters’ questions  about her support for President-elect Donald Trump’s defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth after cornering herself in an elevator.

Ernst was previously hesitant about Hegseth due to allegations of misconduct, including excessive drinking and sexual harassment, but has appeared to soften her stance.

In a clip played on Morning Joe, reporters in the Capitol tried to pin her down for clarity, but Ernst opted for a hurried retreat into an elevator with her aides.

“So, I am supporting him through this process… I’ll just refer you back to the statement,” Ernst told reporters.

Journalists pressed on, asking whether her support had shifted into a vote of confidence for the Trump nominee, but Ernst remained steadfastly non-committal, describing only a “productive meeting” with Hegseth.

An aide, visibly flustered, worked unsuccessfully to shut the elevator doors as the questions persisted. After a prolonged barrage by the gaggle, the door finally closed.

The scene made for a lively segment as host Joe Scarborough and panelists couldn’t resist poking fun.

“Memo to self,” Scarborough quipped, “when you’re being chased by reporters on the Senate side of Capitol Hill, do not take the freight elevator.”

“Take the stairs,” added co-host Jonathan Lemire.

Laughing, he continued: “That elevator door – you can see the aide growing panicked, trying to hit the door close button.”

“I think the reporter had a hand in, I think. That’s a pro tip,” he added.

“Is that a pro tip?” Scarborough returned.

“Put your hand in,” Lemire reiterated.

“Some people are good at gagglers,” contributor John Heileman said.

Watch above on MSNBC.