Some of President-elect Donald Trump's most ardent supporters are threatening Republican senators up for reelection in 2026 over nominations for Cabinet positions in the incoming administration.
First and foremost, Trump allies are monitoring how Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst, a member of the Armed Services Committee, votes on the nomination of Pete Hegseth to serve as defense secretary, The Washington Times reported.
Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.; Thom Tillis, R-N.C.; John Cornyn, R-Texas; Mike Rounds, R-S.D.; and Susan Collins, R-Maine, are other GOP senators up for reelection who are being watched closely by Trump support groups.
With Republicans holding a 53-47 advantage in the Senate come January, four party members can sink a nominee with failure of support.
"We are prepared, along with a whole army of others, to primary these senators. This is not an empty threat," Turning Point USA President Charlie Kirk said, The Washington Times reported.
"Donors are already calling, ready to back this effort," Kirk added.
During an interview last week with Fox News, Ernst indicated she would not support Hegseth. The senator and nominee met last week and were scheduled to meet again Monday.
After Ernst, a retired Army lieutenant colonel, posted on X that she and Hegseth "will continue our constructive conversations," the string was flooded with threats of a primary challenger in Iowa.
"Apparently, you didn't get the memo: This is the MAGA party now. If you vote against Pete Hegseth, your political career is over," one X user wrote.
Sen. Shelly Capito, R-W.Va., who represents a solid red state, also said she hadn't made up her mind on Hegseth’s nomination, The New York Sun reported. Capito also is up for reelection in 2026.
Hegseth has been fighting for his nomination amid allegations of excessive drinking and the revelation that he made a settlement payment after being accused of a sexual assault. He denies all accusations.
The nominations of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Department of Health and Human Services) and former Democrat Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (national intelligence) also have raised concerns among some Republicans.
Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., stepped aside after being Trump’s pick for attorney general. Gaetz drew a lot of fire from lawmakers in both major parties although like all of the selections he was wildly popular in the MAGA movement.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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