The Facts Known About Sen. Joni Ernst Secretly Campaigns to Torpedo Pete Hegseth’s Defense Secretary Nomination — Even Calls Trump to Consider Her as Replacement

Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) has been reported to be actively working against Pete Hegseth's nomination for Secretary of Defense under President-elect Donald Trump. Here are the known facts based on recent news and social media discussions:

There have been reports that Ernst is leading an "aggressive" campaign against Hegseth's nomination. This includes multiple phone calls to Trump, urging him to reconsider Hegseth and potentially consider her for the position.

After a meeting with Hegseth, Ernst posted a vague statement about their discussion, not explicitly endorsing him, which some interpret as part of her strategy to position herself for the role.

Her opposition might stem from various factors, including her advocacy for transgender military service and her stance on gender equality in the military, contrasting with Hegseth's views on women not serving in combat roles.

There is sentiment among some GOP members and observers that Ernst would be an "obvious" choice for the position if Hegseth were to be dropped, citing her military background and her potential to easily gain Senate confirmation.

These actions indicate a complex interplay of political maneuvering within the party, with Ernst potentially positioning herself as a preferable alternative to Hegseth for the Defense Secretary position. However, these reports should be considered within the context of political strategy and the fluid nature of insider politics.