
Hegseth's Defense Secretary Bid Sparks GOP Debate Amid Ernst's Re-election
Senator Joni Ernst faces potential intraparty challenges in Iowa as she considers supporting Pete Hegseth for defense secretary, a decision that could impact her 2026 re-election bid. While Ernst remains popular among many Republicans, grassroots conservatives express frustration over her perceived lack of full support for Trump's agenda. The situation highlights the pressures on GOP members to align with Trump's picks, with some activists threatening primary challenges against those who don't. Despite the tensions, Ernst's allies argue that the backlash is exaggerated and primarily online-driven.











