Trump still supports Hegseth
Jacqui Heinrich, senior White House correspondent for Fox News, explains President-elect Donald Trump’s recent public support for Pete Hegseth’s nomination for secretary of defense on social truth and more in a “report. special”
Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, the first female veteran elected to the Senate and member of the Armed Services Committee. has signaled support for President Trump’s nominee for secretary of defense.
After meeting with Pete Hegseth for the second time on Monday. Ernst wrote in a statement: “As I support Pete through this process, I hope for a fair trial based on the truth. It is not an anonymous news source.”
Army National Guard personnel serving in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. and until last month was a Fox News host. Hegseth has been the focus of numerous reports highlighting allegations of drinking and sexual misconduct.
Hegseth denies accusations that he mistreated women. and promised that he would not drink. “Not even a drop of alcohol” if confirmed as Minister of Defense Another report surfaced allegations that Hegseth mismanaged a veterans nonprofit he once led.
TRUMP RALLY BEHIND HEGSETH BUT INVITE DESANTIS TO ARMY GAMES
Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense Walking with his wife, Jennifer Hegseth (now deceased), to meet with Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, of the Armed Services Committee, at the Capitol on Dec. 1, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Ernst, a conservative lawmaker first elected to the Senate in 2014, is considered a key voter in the confirmation battle for Hegseth. which in the past had questioned the role of women in fighting
The senator is also a survivor of sexual assault. which has a strong legal record for dealing with sexual harassment and harassment in the military
She said in a statement: “After our encouraging conversation Pete is committed to conducting a full investigation of the Department of Defense. and select senior officers who will uphold the role and values of our servicemen and women. Based on quality and standards, not quotas, and which will prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual harassment within the group.”
Trump’s orbit has increased criticism of Ernst’s nomination over Hegseth.
Ernst’s office told Fox News on Monday that “The Senator has consistently followed the process that she spoke of from the beginning. and doing her work as a United States Senator.”
After meeting Hegseth last week. Ernst said in a social media post that she and Trump’s nominee for secretary of defense had a conversation that “Straightforward and thorough”
Days later, when asked in an interview on Fox News’ “America’s Newsroom” if she was not prepared to vote to confirm Hegseth, the senator replied: “I think you’re right.”
Before his second meeting with Senators, Hegseth told Fox News’ Aishah Hasnie, “I’m really looking forward to meeting with Sen. Ernst. I appreciate her. I respect her background and service. She is so amazing And the conversations that are going on are already having a big impact.”
in the past few days A high-profile Trump ally threatens to spark a primary challenge to Ernst. When is she up for re-election in 2026?
“This is the red line. This is no joke… funds are already being collected. Donors are making crazy demands. A political party is about to launch,” said conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Influential radio and television host, co-founded and drives Turning Point USA
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Kirk on his radio show warned that “If you support the president’s agenda, you’re fine, you’re safe in the primary. You have repeatedly clashed with Pete Hegseth, the president. And don’t be surprised, Joni Ernst, if you suddenly have a primary challenge in Iowa.”
In Iowa, conservative commentator and media personality Steve Deace took to social media and his radio show to emphasize that he would consider launching a primary challenge against Ernst.
“Beating a sitting U.S. senator takes a reputation, connections, and strong fundraising potential,” Deace wrote. “I am one of the few people in Iowa with all three.”
said Deace, who supported Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at this year’s Iowa GOP presidential caucus. “I don’t want to be a senator. But I’m willing to focus on her primarily if I’m confident I have Trump’s support, or I’m willing to throw my support and network behind someone else that President Trump prefers. It’s Joni Ernst’s boss instead.”
Brenna Bird, Attorney General of the State of Iowa Top Trump Supporters in the Iowa Caucuses Wrote a column about Breitbart calling for Hegseth’s confirmation.
She didn’t mention Ernst’s name, though. But Bird also took aim at “DC politicians” who “think they can ignore the voices of their voters. and entertain slander from the same source that has been pushing lies for years.”
Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa (Draw Anger/Getty Images/File)
David Kochel, a veteran GOP consultant who was a key strategist and early supporter of Ernst during his successful 2014 Senate campaign, told Fox News, “Joni Ernst is doing what is constitutional. Tell me what her job is. which is advice and consent.”
“I think everyone should give her space to work. And intimidating veterans often doesn’t work very well,” Kochel said.
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Trump has praised Hegseth in recent days.
“Hegseth is doing very well. His support is strong and profound. Much more than fake news,” the president-elect wrote on Friday.
But Fox News and other news organizations have reported that Trump may consider naming DeSantis as secretary of defense as a possible replacement. If Hegseth’s nomination falters
Ernst’s name is also used as a replacement.
But the senator said last week in an interview with RealClearPolitics said, “I don’t want to be Secretary of Defense.”
Fox News’ Chad Pergram, Tyler Olson and Julia Johnson contributed to this report.
