Sen. Joni Ernst, a combat veteran and sexual assault survivor, is facing criticism from within her own party for her initial reservations about President-elect Donald Trump's choice of Pete Hegseth as defense secretary. Hegseth, who has controversial views on women in combat and has faced accusations of sexual assault, has divided opinions among Republicans.
Ernst's reluctance to fully support Hegseth has sparked a backlash, with threats of a potential primary challenge in 2026 and pressure from influential figures in the GOP. The response to Ernst's stance underscores the influence Trump wields within the party and serves as a warning to other lawmakers who may have reservations about Trump's nominees.
Despite the mounting pressure, Ernst's allies emphasize her resilience and stress that her decision will be based on her assessment of Hegseth's qualifications. Ernst has worked to strengthen her relationship with Trump, meeting with him and billionaire Elon Musk to discuss budget-cutting initiatives.
While Trump has not personally pressured Ernst to support Hegseth, the backlash against her has been swift and intense. Critics, including Trump's son and conservative activists, have warned that Ernst's political career is at risk if she does not fall in line with Trump's picks.
Ernst has shown signs of softening her stance on Hegseth, citing 'encouraging conversations' and his commitment to addressing issues like sexual assault in the military. However, the campaign against Ernst serves as a cautionary tale for other senators who may oppose Trump's nominees.
As the pressure mounts on Ernst, the episode highlights the dominance of Trump within the Republican Party and the consequences of crossing him. While some senators like Lisa Murkowski have weathered similar attacks, the campaign against Ernst serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of defying Trump's agenda.
