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Criticism is set to be ramped up against Republican Iowa Senator Joni Ernst by supporters of President-elect Donald Trump, as she continues to withhold support for Pete Hegseth, Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense.
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A prominent Trump ally stated that If you oppose President Trump’s nominees, you oppose the whole Trump agenda, and a political price will be paid for that. Certain establishment senators are attempting to damage the President by blocking his nominees, but this will not be allowed. Hegseth has been meeting with Republican senators on Capitol Hill to secure their backing as he faces allegations of sexual misconduct and alcohol abuse, which he has denied.
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Ernst, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, which will conduct the confirmation hearing for the Secretary of Defense nominee, met with Pete Hegseth last week. While she has not yet confirmed her support for him, Ernst expressed that they would continue their constructive discussions and plan to meet again next week. At a minimum, she emphasized that Hegseth deserves the opportunity to present his vision for the military in a fair hearing.
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Hegseth expressed appreciation for the meeting, calling it a substantive conversation. Trump expressed continued support for Hegseth in a post on Truth Social, writing that Pete Hegseth is doing very well. His support is strong and deep and added that he will be a fantastic, high-energy Secretary of Defense.
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Ernst, a retired Iowa National Guard lieutenant colonel, highlighted her advocacy for survivors of military sexual assault during a speech at the Reagan National Defense Forum. She shared her personal experience as a survivor of sexual assault, emphasizing her work on addressing sexual assault within the military. Ernst expressed her interest in hearing more about how these issues, along with the role of women in the military, would be addressed, particularly in the context of potential changes under the leadership of Pete Hegseth.
She also mentioned being excited to meet with Hegseth but emphasized the need for thorough vetting before he moves forward. Hegseth is set to return to Capitol Hill this week to seek more support for his nomination, while conservatives and Trump supporters criticize Ernst and others who have not supported Hegseth, despite previously voting to confirm Biden’s nominees.
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Don Trump Jr mentioned on X saying that If you’re a GOP Senator who voted for Lloyd Austin but criticize Pete Hegseth, maybe you’re in the wrong political party! Conservative talk show host Steve Deace also voiced criticism of Ernst, calling her not a good Senator and suggesting he might challenge her in a primary with Trump’s backing.
Building America’s Future, a conservative nonprofit, announced a $500,000 ad campaign supporting Hegseth, urging voters to press their senators to confirm him.
Hegseth, undeterred by the controversy, continues to stand firm, stating that he answers only to Trump, the Senate, his wife, and Jesus Christ. Addressing questions from reporters about past allegations, he explained that his transformation, aided by his faith and family, resonated with many Americans, particularly veterans.
Hegseth declared that he will answer all of these senators’ questions, but this will not be a process tried in the media. and he doesn’t answer to anyone in that group he would answer to President Trump, the 100 senators, and his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
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