Republicans are considering Senator Joni Ernst, a one-time critic of Donald Trump, as a potential replacement for embattled defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth. Ernst, a combat veteran and influential GOP senator, is seen by many as a more suitable and easily confirmable choice for the role.
GOP Senator Kevin Cramer told CNN, "She'd be easy to confirm. And I think she'd be great. If she wanted it, she'd be my first pick." Similarly, Doug Heye, a former Republican National Committee communications director, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that Ernst would be the "obvious choice," criticizing Hegseth's nomination as a mistake.
Despite initial criticism of Trump, Ernst has aligned with his administration, spearheading initiatives like the Senate caucus for government efficiency. However, her potential nomination highlights a sharp contrast with Hegseth, whose confirmation has been marred by allegations of misconduct. Reports suggest Hegseth faced accusations of sexual and alcohol abuse, as well as financial mismanagement and sexist behavior while leading veteran nonprofits. In a 2018 email published by *The New York Times*, Hegseth's mother accused him of mistreating women, though she has since publicly retracted her statement.
Ernst, who has a strong record of advocating for military reform and combating sexual assault in the armed forces, offers a stark alternative. Her background as the first female combat veteran in the Senate and a survivor of sexual assault has garnered bipartisan respect. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jack Reed (D-RI) called her “superbly qualified” and praised her deep understanding of military dynamics.
Former Trump aide Alyssa Farah Griffin added her support, calling Ernst "the logical, smart choice for Secretary of Defense" and predicting she would secure bipartisan backing. While Griffin does not support Trump politically, she emphasized the importance of appointing capable leaders to critical roles.
Hegseth, meanwhile, continues to defend himself against mounting scrutiny. His attorney dismissed the allegations as "outlandish," and Hegseth has sought to shore up GOP support on Capitol Hill, including a meeting with Ernst, who remains a potential swing vote on his confirmation.
Betting markets show Ernst tied with Hegseth at a 17% chance of being confirmed, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis leads the field with 41%. Should Ernst be nominated and confirmed, she would make history as the first female defense secretary, a move that could mark a turning point for the GOP’s approach to leadership at the Pentagon.
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