Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) faces mounting pressure within her party as she weighs her vote to confirm Pete Hegseth as President-elect Trump’s Defense Secretary. Despite her hesitation, GOP colleagues, including Sen.-elect John Curtis and Sen. Lisa Murkowski, have defended her against intense criticism and implied threats from within the party.
Ernst’s Deliberation
Joni Ernst has met with Pete Hegseth twice and appears to be leaning toward supporting his nomination, but she has not immediately committed to backing him as Trump’s Defense Secretary pick, drawing pressure from fellow Republicans.
2. Curtis and Murkowski’s Defense
Sen.-elect John Curtis described the threats Ernst is facing, highlighting the political pressure and the personal toll on her and her staff. Sen. Lisa Murkowski also expressed concern about the criticism against Ernst, defending her conservative principles and warning about potential primaries.
3. Underlying Political Tension
The issue is part of broader tensions in the GOP, where loyalty to Trump is becoming a divisive factor. Ernst’s final vote could have implications for her political future, especially regarding challenges from more Trump-aligned candidates.
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