‘Political price to pay’: Trump orbit expected to ramp up Ernst criticisms while she withholds Hegseth support

President-elect Donald Trump’s allies are gearing up to increase their criticisms of Republican Iowa Senator Joni Ernst as she hesitates to offer her support for Trump’s pick for secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth. A top Trump ally expressed that opposing Trump’s nominees is equivalent to opposing his agenda, and there will be consequences for those who try to sabotage the President’s choices.

Trump nominated Hegseth, a former National Guard officer and host on “Fox & Friends Weekend,” for the position of secretary of defense, emphasizing that under Hegseth’s leadership, America’s enemies will be put on notice and the military will be strengthened. Hegseth has been meeting with Republican senators on Capitol Hill to garner support amid allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking, which he has vehemently denied.

Senator Ernst, who sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee responsible for the confirmation hearing of the secretary of defense nominee, recently met with Hegseth but has refrained from committing to voting in favor of him. She stated that she plans to continue discussions with Hegseth and believes he should have the chance to present his vision for the military at a fair hearing.

Despite reports suggesting that Trump had lost confidence in Hegseth and some Republicans expressing concerns about the allegations against him, Trump reiterated his support for Hegseth on Truth Social. Vice President-elect JD Vance also affirmed that they are not abandoning the nomination and believe in Hegseth’s capabilities.

Senator Ernst, a retired Iowa National Guard lieutenant colonel, spoke at the Reagan National Defense Forum about her advocacy for survivors of military sexual assault. She highlighted the importance of thorough vetting before confirming Hegseth for the position of secretary of defense.

As Hegseth continues to rally support for his nomination, conservative groups and Trump supporters are intensifying their criticisms of senators like Ernst who have not yet backed Hegseth. A conservative nonprofit, Building America’s Future, is running ads in support of Hegseth and urging voters to contact their senators to endorse his nomination.

Ernst has faced disagreements with the Republican Party and Trump in the past, particularly regarding transgender individuals serving in the military. Despite her past conflicts with the party, Ernst’s stance on Hegseth’s nomination remains uncertain, prompting Trump allies to push for her support or consider primary challenges against her.

In conclusion, the nomination of Pete Hegseth for secretary of defense has sparked a contentious debate within the Republican Party, with allies of President-elect Trump pressuring senators like Joni Ernst to rally behind the nominee. As the confirmation process unfolds, the political implications for those who oppose Hegseth’s nomination remain to be seen.