DES MOINES, Iowa − The pressure on U.S. Senator Joni Ernst is intensifying, including from some fellow Republicans in Iowa, as she hesitates to endorse Pete Hegseth, the nominee from President-elect Donald Trump for the Secretary of Defense position.

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird wrote an article for the conservative outlet Breitbart advocating for the Senate to approve Trump’s Cabinet nominees. While she did not mention Ernst by name, she criticized “D.C. politicians” who “believe they can disregard what their constituents say and believe the negative narratives spread by those who have long propagated falsehoods.”

As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Ernst is a significant obstacle to Hegseth’s confirmation, especially as he faces accusations of sexual assault, which he denies, along with claims of alcohol misuse and mishandling of a nonprofit organization he used to lead. Hegseth has also been against women serving in combat roles.

“What we are witnessing in Washington is an attempt by the Deep State to sideline the people’s will,” Bird stated. “We cannot permit Washington to stifle nominations before the Constitutional confirmation process even begins.”

According to Bird’s spokesperson, Alyssa Brouillet, the intent of the article was to broadly encourage “the entire U.S. Senate” to support Trump’s nominees. She accused the Des Moines Register, part of the YSL News Network, of “constantly trying to turn Republicans against one another.”

“President Trump needs his team in place to ensure that Washington serves the interests of America — not the other way around,” Brouillet stated.

Steve Deace, an Iowa conservative commentator, indicated on the social media platform X that he might consider running against Ernst in a Republican primary should she seek reelection in 2026.

“To defeat an incumbent U.S. Senator requires a strong name recognition, connections, and financial resources,” he remarked. “I possess all three in Iowa. While I’m not looking to be a Senator, I’m ready to challenge her for the greater good if I have Trump’s backing. Alternatively, I am also willing to support and help another candidate preferred by President Trump to take on Joni Ernst.”

Senator Ernst, recognized as the first female combat veteran in the U.S. Senate, has a robust track record addressing military sexual assault and harassment.

She met with Hegseth recently and shared on the social media platform X that their discussion was “honest and comprehensive.” However, she later told Fox News that she has yet to reach a decision about supporting his nomination.

On Friday afternoon, she announced on X that she plans to meet with Hegseth again next week.

“Pete Hegseth and I will keep having productive discussions as we progress through this process,” she stated. “We plan to connect again next week. At the very least, we both agree he should have the opportunity to present his vision for our military personnel in a fair hearing.”

Ernst Claims She Does Not Wish for a Leading Role at the Pentagon

In an interview with Real Clear Politics, she stated that she is not secretly working to undermine Hegseth’s candidacy but is committed to a fully accountable and fair confirmation process.

“I have certainly been feeling this pressure,” she remarked. “There is absolutely no campaign against Pete.”

Ernst made efforts to clear up speculation that she might be trying to block Hegseth’s nomination because of her own interest in the position. Her name has been mentioned as a potential candidate for the role of defense secretary.

“I am not pursuing the role of secretary of defense,” she clarified in an interview with Real Clear Politics.

Donald Trump Jr. critiques Ernst

Iowa Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson supported Ernst during a call with Iowa reporters on Friday morning, describing her as a “strong and conservative advocate.”

“She has committed her life to serving the people of Iowa and our nation, and she has a constitutional duty to thoroughly evaluate all nominees, which she is fulfilling,” Hinson stated. “That’s her pledge.”

Later on Friday evening, Hinson expressed that Hegseth is a solid choice to lead the Department of Defense.

“I heard him speak earlier this week and believe he will challenge the status quo, eliminate the progressive DEI influences damaging our military, and navigate through the bureaucratic red tape at the Pentagon,” she noted. “I can’t wait for Trump to take office so we can begin the work of Making America Great Again.”

Since Ernst’s interview with Fox News, there has been significant backlash from the right online.

In Iowa, the conservative Iowa Standard blog has been outspoken about encouraging a primary challenge against Ernst, pointing out her previous positions that diverged from Trump’s agenda.

Donald Trump Jr. shared on X a list of Republican senators, including Ernst, who voted for President Joe Biden’s defense secretary nominee, Lloyd Austin. He expressed that it is “shameful” for any of those senators to now withhold their support for Hegseth.

“What a shame. If you’re a Republican Senator who backed Lloyd Austin but criticize @PeteHegseth, then perhaps you belong to the wrong party!” he wrote.

On X, the phrase “She’s a Democrat” briefly trended on Friday morning, with users citing past interviews and positions that they claim call into question Ernst’s conservative credentials.