Staff Reports
The spotlight in Washington, D.C. is firmly fixed on Iowa Senator Joni Ernst, who has become the last holdout among Republican senators in her hesitance to back Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s defense secretary nominee. As whispers of his alleged past indiscretions grow louder, conservative heavyweights are cranking up the heat, warning Ernst that defying Trump could spell the end of her political career. A classic case of “dance with the one who brought ya,” if one were to ask folks in the know.
While Ernst gave a nod to Hegseth’s military service during a recent chat with Fox News, her comments were a far cry from enthusiastic endorsement. She maintained an air of cautious optimism, mentioning that their conversation was lengthy and productive. However, those in the know understand that when Joni speaks of “vetting,” it often reads more like “I’ll think about it.” As Ernst gears up for a reelection bid in 2026, the pressure is mounting for her to sign off on Hegseth—who’s become something of a litmus test for loyalty among Republicans since he can afford to lose only a couple of votes in next year’s Senate majority.
Adding some spice to the pot, Ernst’s past votes have raised eyebrows, particularly her decision to certify the 2020 election results. Many see her as a political centrist struggling to keep her balance in the increasingly ardent conservative world. With allegations swirling about Hegseth’s behavior during his time leading two veterans’ charities and his on-air antics at Fox News, Ernst’s reluctance to give her full backing has some fans worried about her future. In a world where Matt Gaetz has withdrawn from the running for U.S. attorney general, pressure from Trump loyalists on Ernst is ramping up, with dramatic warnings ringing across social media.
The stakes are undeniably personal for Ernst, a combat veteran herself. Hegseth’s controversial views on female soldiers—specifically his assertion that women shouldn’t hold combat roles—likely came up during their meeting. Inevitably, the pressure tactics of Trump’s allies resemble a scene from a high-stakes poker game: either fold and back Hegseth or watch your political ambitions go bust. Conservative commentator Graham Allen made it clear that a “no” vote on Hegseth could be a “career-ending move.”
Yes, she's under the microscope as this isn't going to work for her. She's a War Pig RINO. And that's if I can call her a RINO. She's actually not a Republican or a RINO, so a disguised Democrat War Pig! Primary her time.https://t.co/WNFd6Dp9WX
— George E Kurywczak (@GKurywczak) December 5, 2024
In a twist of fate, Ernst isn’t entirely blocking Trump’s allies. Recently, she had a more favorable chat with Elise Stefanik, the energetic congresswoman who has been tapped to serve at the United Nations. Unlike her murky remarks about Hegseth, Ernst proudly shared her conversation with Stefanik, complete with smiling snapshots. Social media users, however, didn’t let the apparent contrast slip by unnoticed, inundating her post with sharp critiques. In a world where transparency seems to be the new black, Joni’s comments about Hegseth are wearing a decidedly different shade.
As the clock ticks down to crucial Senate votes, it will be interesting to see whether Ernst gathers the courage to back Hegseth or continues to tiptoe around the issue. The fate of her political future may just hinge on the decision, as the Republican base makes it clear that loyalty to Trump and his picks isn’t just encouraged; it’s imperative. In other words, she would be wise to remember that in today’s GOP, a wobbly stance on such matters can lead to an equally wobbly career.
