President-elect Donald Trump's allies are expected to step up their criticism of Republican Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, who has been slow to express support for Pete Hegseth, Trump's nominee for defense secretary.
“It’s really simple: If you oppose President Trump’s nominees, you oppose Trump’s policies and you pay a political price for that. We are well aware that there are certain establishment senators who are trying to tank presidential nominees in order to intimidate them.''It would be weakening and politically damaging, but we do not believe that such a thing would happen. We’re not going to allow that to happen,” a prominent ally of President Trump told Fox News Digital.
President Trump last month nominated Hegseth, a former National Guard officer, as secretary of defense, saying, “With Pete in command, America's enemies will be on alert. Our military will be great again and America will never back down.'' I won't.'' Hegseth was the host of “Fox & Friends Weekend” before Trump's nomination.
Hegseth has since met with Republican senators on Capitol Hill to rally support as he battles allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking. Mr Hegseth denies any wrongdoing.
Conservative group creates list of 'woke' senior executives calling for Pete Hegseth to be fired
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 17: Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) speaks to reporters after a private lunch with Senate Republicans at the U.S. Capitol on October 17, 2023 in Washington, DC. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) spoke on a wide range of issues, including U.S. support for Israel after the Hamas terrorist attacks. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Mr. Ernst serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, which holds confirmation hearings for defense secretary nominees, and spoke with Mr. Hegseth last week. However, Ernst held off on his promise to vote in favor of Hegseth.
“It's a fair hearing,'' Ernst said last week after meeting with Hegseth.
In his own comments about his meeting with Ernst, Hegseth said, “I had a substantive conversation with Senator Ernst. I appreciate her honest commitment to defense policy and look forward to meeting again next week.'' There is,” he added.
Dozens of prominent veterans sign letter supporting 'outstanding' Hegseth's nomination amid controversy
President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth, is accompanied by his wife, Jennifer Laschet, as they walk through the basement of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Trump has lost confidence in his nominee last week after Democrats denounced the pick and some Republicans, including Sen. Lindsey Graham, said the allegations against Hegseth were “alarming.” A report surfaced.
Trump refuted the claims last week, doubling down on his support for Hegseth in a post on Truth Social, but Vice President-elect J.D. Vance also said the Trump campaign “has no intention of abandoning this nomination. ” he said.
“Pete Hegseth is doing very well. His support is strong and strong,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Friday. “He will be a great, energetic Secretary of Defense and someone who will lead with charisma and skill. Pete is a winner and there is nothing he can do to change that!!!”
Ernst, a former lieutenant colonel in the Iowa National Guard, spoke at the Reagan National Defense Forum on Saturday about advocating for survivors of military sexual assault.
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) speaks with reporters after the weekly Senate Republican Policy Luncheon at the U.S. Capitol on February 14, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
“I'm a survivor of sexual assault, so I've been passionate about combating sexual assault in the military. I'd like to hear a little more about that, but I'd also like to hear about the role of women in our military.” 'The great American military,' Ernst said, Politico reported.
Pete Hegseth says after meeting with senators: “I'm going to stand here and fight this fight.''
She added that she was “excited” to meet with Hegseth, “but there will be a very thorough vetting before he moves forward.”
President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth, speaks to reporters after meeting with senators at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lambkey Jr.) (AP Photo/Rod Lambkey Jr.)
Hegseth returned to the Capitol this week as conservatives and Trump supporters increasingly criticized Ernst and others who have stalled support for Hegseth despite voting to confirm Biden's candidacy nearly four years ago. The plan is to gather support for his nomination.
“If you're a Republican senator who voted for Lloyd Austin and criticize @PeteHegseth, you might be in the wrong party!” Don Trump Jr. wrote about X.
“Joni Ernst has been a bad senator for a long time now, and the rest of the country is only now realizing that. But to defeat an incumbent senator, it takes name recognition, connections, And we need financial strength,” talk show host Steve Deese wrote on X. “I'm one of the few people in Iowa who has all three of those things. I don't want to be a senator, but if I'm sure I'll get Trump's support, I'll support her for the cause.” is” . Or President Trump intends to throw his support and network behind someone else who prefers the president instead of Joni Ernst. ”
According to the conservative nonprofit group Building America's Future. daily caller The company is spending $500,000 on ads endorsing Hegseth as defense secretary, while calling on voters to rally their senators to support the candidate.
“America needs a Secretary of Defense who knows what it means to fight and understands the price of freedom. Pete Hegseth is a patriot, a decorated veteran, and a defender of America's security. A warrior who will stop at nothing to protect you,” the ad says.
“The Deep State is trying to block his nomination, but Pete won't back down. Call your senators today and urge them to confirm Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense,” the ad continues.
Pete Hegseth strengthens Pentagon pitch with back-to-back meetings on Capitol Hill
Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump takes the stage during a campaign rally at Desert Diamond Arena on August 23, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. The rally, held in partnership with Turning Point PAC and Turning Point Action, comes two weeks after Democratic presidential candidate and U.S. Vice President Harris held a rally at the same location. (Rebecca Noble/Getty Images)
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Ernst has been at odds with Republicans and Trump, including during the first Trump administration and over the summer in comments he made favoring transgender people serving in the military. In 2018, during the Trump administration, the 45th president formally authorized the Pentagon to ban transgender people from serving in the military, with limited exceptions, after pledging to do so in 2017.
Fox News Digital reached out to Ernst's news office on Sunday, but did not immediately receive a response.
Fox News Digital’s Brie Stimson contributed to this report.
