Donald Trump’s transition team approached a crucial week of nomination meetings on Capitol Hill with renewed confidence, thanks to strong grassroots support and a pressure campaign that has reinvigorated Pete Hegseth’s chances for Defense secretary and boosted optimism about other controversial nominees as well.
Allies of Trump recently employed a familiar strategy of making life difficult for those who oppose the president-elect. The attacks Sen. Joni Ernst faced were a warning to others who might question Trump’s picks for key positions.
After expressing reservations about confirming Hegseth, Ernst changed her tune following a conversation with him. She now seems more supportive, citing commitments he made and dismissing allegations that lack named accusers. This shift was influenced by a strong push for Hegseth from Trump’s allies and a defiant performance by the Defense secretary nominee.
Hegseth, along with other nominees like Kash Patel and Tulsi Gabbard, are now seen as having a better chance at confirmation. Grassroots pressure and Vice President-elect JD Vance’s influence played a significant role in bolstering Hegseth’s prospects, despite initial doubts.
Trump’s inner circle believed that sacrificing Hegseth’s nomination to Ernst would trigger a backlash against other controversial picks. Vance played a crucial role in rallying Senate support for Hegseth and keeping Trump’s team engaged in the fight.
The recent turnaround in support for Hegseth demonstrates the power of grassroots pressure and political maneuvering in shaping the confirmation process for key nominees. Despite initial opposition from senators like Ernst and Lindsey Graham, Hegseth’s prospects have improved significantly in recent days.
Ernst’s shift in stance, from skepticism to optimism about Hegseth, reflects the changing dynamics within the Republican Party and the influence of Trump’s allies. The pressure campaign from MAGA activists played a key role in shifting Ernst’s position and securing support for Hegseth and other nominees.
Overall, the nomination process remains fluid, with changes in support and opposition likely to continue until final decisions are made. Trump’s allies are determined to secure the confirmation of their preferred nominees, even if it means employing aggressive tactics to pressure skeptics into compliance.
He is scheduled to conduct an interview with Sean Hannity, a friend of Trump and Fox News anchor, on Monday night.
âHe stood strong and attended meetings on the Hill regularly, engaging in thoughtful conversations. His media blitz was highly effective in demonstrating his unwavering stance,â said a Trump transition official.
Individuals in Trumpâs circle emphasized that Hegsethâs situation differs from Gaetzâs, as no senators have expressed opposition to his nomination.
Allies of Trump, such as Kirk, are already promising to launch primary challenges against Republican senators in red states who do not support Trumpâs nominees â a strategy that Trumpâs team is indicating support for.
An op-ed penned by Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird urging senators to back Trumpâs nominees was distributed by the Republican National Committee press team. Some Republicans view it as a subtle primary threat against Ernst from a key Trump ally in Iowa.
âThey have a limited time to demonstrate to the base their willingness to cooperate,â said Andrew Kolvet, a spokesperson for Kirk. âWe will assess their position.â
The optimism extended to some of Trumpâs most devoted supporters in the Senate. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), who was considered for Defense secretary himself, stated on X: âI anticipate that our Republican Senate will confirm all of President Trump’s nominees.
âOut of the 72 cabinet secretary nominees during the Clinton transition,â he continued, âonly 2 nominees have ever received NO votes from the president-elect’s party. It should come as no surprise that the Republican Senate will approve President Trumpâs nominees.â
