Sen. Joni Ernst Reportedly Scheming Against Hegseth, Wants Defense Secretary Role

Reports coming in that Sen. Joni Ernst is lobbying hard to block Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary.

On top of that, she’s reportedly pitching herself as the better pick.

She thinks she can do a better job?

Or does someone want her instead? Would she be just another politician that will turn a blind eye to corruption?

So she’s out there dropping hints about rallying support against him while keeping things polite in public.

I guess she doesn’t want upset the people as it should be obvious that they want him.

Sen. Joni Ernst Secretly Campaigns to Torpedo Pete Hegseth’s Defense Secretary Nomination — Even Calls Trump to Consider Her as Replacement: Report https://t.co/Y47U26S5TD pic.twitter.com/FZGAfKiB6R

— The Gateway Pundit (@gatewaypundit) December 5, 2024

The Gateway Pundit reports:

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is reportedly waging an aggressive campaign to derail Pete Hegseth’s nomination for Secretary of Defense.

According to sources close to the Trump campaign, Ernst has been making direct appeals to former President Donald Trump, urging him to withdraw Hegseth’s nomination and positioning herself as a potential replacement.

Sources familiar with private discussions have told ABC News that a growing list of potential replacements is being considered. The names reportedly include Iowa Senator Joni Ernst and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

The Federalist reported Wednesday that Ernst has not only called Trump multiple times but also hinted at rallying female senators against Hegseth if Trump doesn’t reconsider the nomination.

Despite these efforts, during her Wednesday meeting with Hegseth, Ernst gave no indication of her behind-the-scenes moves, according to insiders.

“She’s waging a campaign to replace Pete with herself,” a Trump ally familiar with the situation told the news outlet.

Ernst later posted on X about her meeting with Hegseth, saying, “I appreciate Pete Hegseth’s service to our country, something we both share. Today, as part of the confirmation process, we had a frank and thorough conversation.”

In a Thursday interview, Ernst reiterated her stance, stating she is not yet a “Yes” following her meeting with Pete Hegseth.

Keep dreaming, Ernst.

We can see that Hegseth is the right man for the job.

🚨Iowa Republican Senator Joni Ernst — who happily voted for LLoyd Austin to run DoD —

— explains that right now, she is not a “yes” vote for Pete Hegseth. pic.twitter.com/zlPsyj7tgc

— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) December 5, 2024

More and more patriots are showing their support for Hegseth.

🎯🔥

Hegseth jeopardizes the grifts and what was heretofore seen by these people as permanent positions of influence and power.

Hegseth must be confirmed.

— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) December 5, 2024