Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird has publicly urged Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) to support Pete Hegseth’s nomination as Secretary of Defense under President-elect Donald Trump. Bird’s call comes amid uncertainty over Ernst’s position and growing scrutiny of Hegseth’s qualifications.

Bird’s appeal was outlined in a Breitbart op-ed, where she stressed the need for Republicans to rally behind Trump’s nominees. “The Constitution gives senators the important responsibility for advice and consent,” Bird wrote. “What we’re witnessing in Washington right now is a Deep State attempt to undermine the will of the people.”

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird just came out in support of Trump’s cabinet nominees, sending a message to Joni Ernst. 👀

That Senate seat is hers if Hegseth isn’t confirmed. pic.twitter.com/FKb7YRLBHC

— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) December 6, 2024

Ernst, a combat veteran and influential member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, expressed reservations during a Fox News interview. While she acknowledged a productive discussion with Hegseth, Ernst emphasized the importance of thoroughly vetting nominees, stating, “We had a very frank and productive discussion, and I know that we will continue to have conversations in the upcoming months.”

Bird’s message reflected frustration with perceived opposition to Trump’s cabinet choices. “Iowans have made their voice clear,” Bird wrote, citing Trump’s decisive victory in the state. She warned against what she described as Washington insiders disregarding the electorate’s mandate.

Ernst is a rat snake politician. Two-faced and fake as a 3 dollar bill. Don’t trust her at all. https://t.co/XbchgckExc

— PragMaticPatriot (@1ArdentPatriot) December 4, 2024

The confirmation of Trump’s cabinet is seen as essential to implementing his agenda, including reforms aimed at border security, economic prosperity, and national defense. “Tens of millions of Americans went into the ballot box, sick of paying taxes year after year, just to see the government fail to deliver,” Bird wrote.

There’s been talk of primary challenges to Joni Ernst in 2026 due to her efforts to kneecap Trump’s nominees. Here we have Iowa’s AG Brenna Bird, who unseated a Democrat incumbent in 2022, demanding confirmation of Trump’s nominees and trashing “D.C. politicians” playing games. pic.twitter.com/qJYpbzeLLm

— Sean Davis (@seanmdav) December 6, 2024

With Trump’s administration set to begin in January, early votes on cabinet nominees like Hegseth are expected to shape his ability to deliver on campaign promises.