A battle of influence unfolds as President-elect Donald Trump's inner circle prepares to challenge Iowa Senator Joni Ernst's stance on defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth.
According to Fox News, Trump allies are warning of "political price to pay" for senators who oppose the president-elect's nominees, specifically targeting Ernst's hesitation to support Hegseth's confirmation.
Trump's team is rallying behind Hegseth, a former National Guard officer and Fox News host, despite allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking that he denies. The president-elect nominated Hegseth last month, emphasizing his vision for strengthening America's military presence and strategic positioning.
Senator Ernst, who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, met with Hegseth last week but has maintained a cautious stance on his nomination. As a retired Iowa National Guard lieutenant colonel and survivor of sexual assault, Ernst has expressed particular interest in addressing military sexual assault measures and women's roles in the armed forces.
Trump reinforced his support for Hegseth through a Truth Social post, describing him as a "winner" with strong backing. Vice President-elect JD Vance has also publicly defended the nomination, countering reports suggesting Trump's wavering confidence in his choice.
Conservative groups are mobilizing resources to support Hegseth's confirmation. Building America's Future, a conservative nonprofit, has committed half a million dollars to advertising campaigns promoting his nomination and encouraging voters to contact their senators.
A top Trump ally delivered a stern message to potential opposition, stating:
It's really this simple: If you oppose President Trump's nominees, you oppose the Trump agenda and there will be a political price to pay for that. We are well aware that there are certain establishment Senators trying to tank the President's nominees to make him look weak and damage him politically, and we're just not going to allow that to happen.
The situation has sparked criticism from prominent conservatives, including Donald Trump Jr. and talk show host Steve Deace. Some supporters have even suggested mounting primary challenges against Ernst in response to her stance on the nomination.
Hegseth continues his efforts to secure support on Capitol Hill, scheduling additional meetings with senators this week. The nominee has received backing from dozens of prominent veterans who signed a letter supporting his candidacy amid the controversies.
Ernst's previous positions on military policies, including her support for transgender service members, have sometimes put her at odds with Trump's agenda. This history of disagreement adds another layer of complexity to the current confirmation process.
The controversy highlights growing tensions between Trump loyalists and Republican senators who express reservations about his nominees.
The defense secretary nomination battle centers on Pete Hegseth, Trump's choice to lead the Pentagon, facing scrutiny from Senator Joni Ernst and the Senate Armed Services Committee. The situation has escalated as Trump allies threaten political consequences for those withholding support, while Ernst maintains her position on thoroughly vetting the nominee before making any commitments.
The confirmation process continues as Hegseth prepares for additional meetings with senators while conservative groups mobilize resources to influence the outcome through advertising campaigns and grassroots activism.
