Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) found herself the target of wrath among President-elect Donald Trump's supporters after she signaled on Thursday that she was not on board with the nomination of Fox News personality Pete Hegseth to lead the Department of Defense.
Shortly after her Fox News appearance where she would not commit to backing Hegseth, Ernst took to X to tout her enthusiasm for a meeting she was attending with X CEO Elon Musk to discuss his plans for his so-called Department of Government Efficiency to slash the federal budget.
Her post was quickly bombarded by angry Trump supporters who threatened to support a primary challenge against her unless she voted to put Hegseth, who has been accused by current and former colleagues at multiple jobs of showing up drunk to work, in charge of the world's most powerful military.
"You are the first thing that needs to be cut," wrote one Trump supporter. "You are undermining Trump. You are despicable."
"How about the first thing we cut is all the American money you keep sending to Ukraine?" asked popular MAGA influencer DC Draino.
"As long as your plan includes confirming Trump's nominees, especially Pete Hegseth, then I'm sure it's fine," commented JD Rucker.
"You might want to rethink your campaign to sabotage Presidents Trumps cabinet nominees," warned another Trump supporter. "Every republican that downvotes his picks are going to have a MAGA opponent come their primary time. By 2030, all rinos will be out and do speaking events."
"How about you quit playing games and confirm Pete Hegseth?" wrote an account named Count Spatua. "We all know you are trying to attack him and Trump behind the scenes. Get ready to be primaried in 2026!"
