The confirmation process for President-elect Trump’s cabinet nominees is turning into a high-stakes political battle, with his allies unleashing a full-scale offensive against Republican senators who dare to express reservations. The target? Pete Hegseth, Trump’s controversial nominee for Secretary of Defense, and the senators who question his suitability for the role.
Incoming Senate Majority Leader, Senator John Thune, has remained largely quiet on the matter, but the air is thick with tension. This intense pressure campaign, orchestrated by top MAGA figures, reveals a willingness to deploy significant resources and leverage to ensure the confirmation of Trump’s chosen individuals. Corey Lewandowski, a longtime Trump advisor, bluntly stated to Fox News that “There will be no resource that we won’t use to go after those U.S. senators that vote against Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks or his other nominees.”
Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa, a key swing vote on the Senate Armed Services Committee, has found herself squarely in the crosshairs. Ernst, the first female combat veteran elected to the Senate, has publicly expressed hesitancy regarding Hegseth’s nomination, citing concerns fueled by numerous media reports detailing allegations of past drinking, sexual misconduct, and mismanagement of a veterans nonprofit. While Hegseth has denied some allegations and reached a financial settlement in one case to avoid a lawsuit, vowing to abstain from alcohol if confirmed, these concerns remain a significant hurdle.
The response from Trump’s allies has been swift and brutal. Donald Trump Jr. took to social media, directly targeting Ernst and other potentially wavering senators. Influential conservative activist Charlie Kirk went even further, explicitly threatening to fund a primary challenge against Ernst, stating that donors are already lining up and preparations are underway. Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, a staunch Trump supporter, echoed these sentiments in a Breitbart column, though without naming Ernst directly, condemning “D.C. politicians” who ignore constituent voices. Conservative commentator Steve Deace added his voice to the chorus, also suggesting a potential primary challenge.
The pressure appears to have had some effect. Following a meeting with Hegseth, Ernst issued a statement indicating her meeting was “encouraging” and that she would support Hegseth through the process. However, her office clarified that she’s merely following established procedures.
This aggressive campaign isn’t limited to Ernst. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, one of four GOP senators who voted to convict Trump in his impeachment trial, is facing a primary challenge from John Fleming, a senior advisor in the first Trump administration. Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota has also faced criticism from Kirk and Elon Musk. Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama issued a stark warning to his Republican colleagues: “Republicans: If you’re not on the team, get out of the way.”
The success of these threats remains to be seen. While ousting an incumbent senator is difficult—it’s been over a decade since a successful primary challenge against an incumbent—the sheer intensity of the campaign highlights the stakes. A senior Trump advisor, speaking anonymously, explained that the strategy is not just about Hegseth, but about protecting the president-elect’s other controversial cabinet picks and avoiding a potential cascading effect of failed confirmations. The Hegseth confirmation battle serves as a stark illustration of the intense political pressures and potential consequences for Republicans defying the will of the incoming administration. The fight is far from over.
