GOP’s Ernst Was Ripped for Saying She Won’t Support Hegseth

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Republican Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa has drawn a lot of criticism from Trump supporters after she hinted that she might not be supporting his choice for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth.
In a Fox News interview, Ernst, who is up for re-election in 2026, kept her comments on the matter vague but acknowledged having a long, very lengthy discussion with Hegseth. She expressed appreciation for his service and mentioned their conversation about various issues. Ernst said that they both had a frank and very productive discussion and she says she doesn’t know that they will continue to have conversations in the upcoming months while emphasizing the continued vetting process for the nominee.

Hegseth’s confirmation as Secretary of Defense will depend on the upcoming Republican-controlled Senate, where he can afford to lose no more than three votes. Vice President-elect J.D. Vance would be able to cast a tie-breaking vote if necessary. However, centrist Republicans like Ernst, who voted to certify the 2020 election, have raised concerns that could jeopardize his nomination.

One reason for Ernst’s hesitation stems from reports alleging Hegseth’s history of drinking while managing two veterans’ charities and later during his tenure as an on-air personality at Fox News. In response, Hegseth vigorously defended himself, appearing on Megyn Kelly’s SiriusXM show to deny the allegations. He also addressed the matter in an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal, looking forward to his Senate confirmation hearings.

Ernst, who is a combat veteran herself, has also been questioned about her stance on Hegseth’s position on women in combat roles. When she refrained from endorsing Trump’s pick, her critics on the right swiftly reacted.

On social media, some Republican figures suggested that Ernst would face consequences if she voted against Hegseth’s confirmation. Conservative commentator Graham Allen warned on X stating that If she would vote no on Pete Hegseth, her entire career would be considered done. Media personality Collin Rugg also criticized Ernst, urging her to grow a backbone and support his confirmation stating that while another user on X threatened to primary her, referencing the defeat of former Rep. Liz Cheney in 2022.

Despite the pushback from Hegseth’s supporters, Ernst isn’t opposed to Trump across the board. On Thursday, she revealed that she had a productive conversation with Rep. Elise Stefanik, who was recently appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.

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