Former President Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, is encountering resistance from some Republican senators, raising questions about his confirmation prospects. Trump allies are reportedly preparing to criticize Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) for her reluctance to endorse Hegseth.
A key Trump ally emphasized the political ramifications of opposing the president's nominees, stating any opposition to Trump's picks is equivalent to opposing his agenda. This comes after Trump nominated Hegseth, a former National Guard officer and former "Fox & Friends Weekend" host, last month.
Hegseth has been actively meeting with senators to garner support while addressing allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive alcohol consumption, which he denies. Senator Ernst, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, met with Hegseth and stated they would continue discussions, but she has not yet committed to voting for him.
Despite reports of wavering confidence in Hegseth, both Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance have publicly reaffirmed their support. Trump declared Hegseth a "winner" and predicted he would be an excellent Defense Secretary.
Senator Ernst, a retired Iowa National Guard Lieutenant Colonel and a survivor of sexual assault, has expressed her interest in learning more about Hegseth's stance on military sexual assault and the role of women in the military. She emphasized the need for thorough vetting before moving forward with the nomination.
Hegseth's nomination has sparked strong reactions, with figures like Donald Trump Jr. criticizing Republicans who voted for Lloyd Austin but are critical of Hegseth. Meanwhile, conservative groups are launching ad campaigns supporting Hegseth and urging voters to contact their senators.
Senator Ernst has previously clashed with the Republican Party and Trump on issues such as transgender individuals serving in the military. She expressed support for their service, contrasting with Trump's ban implemented during his first term. Fox News Digital reached out to Senator Ernst's office for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
