Fox News hosts Mark Levin and Tammy Bruce have publicly criticized Republican Senators Joni Ernst of Iowa and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, accusing them of obstructing Pete Hegseth’s nomination for Secretary of Defense.

The criticism highlights growing tensions within the Republican Party as President-elect Donald Trump’s team prepares for his second term and finalizes key cabinet appointments.

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst speaks during Gov. Kim Reynolds’ Harvest Festival fundraiser at Oman Family Youth Inn at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Des Moines.

Levin, the host of Life, Liberty & Levin, alleged that Ernst is leading efforts to block Hegseth’s confirmation. Levin claimed in a post, “Joni Ernst is the ringleader seeking to derail Pete Hegseth’s nomination. She has worked to organize Republican opposition in the Senate and deny Hegseth a rollcall vote on his nomination.” Hegseth, a Fox News contributor and former Army officer, is known for his staunch conservative views and is regarded as a favorite among Trump’s allies for the defense secretary role.

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Levin also accused Graham of actively lobbying against Hegseth, adding to the frustration among Trump supporters who view Hegseth’s confirmation as essential to reshaping U.S. defense policy under the new administration.

Sen. Lindsey Graham holds a press conference in his downtown Greenville, S.C. office on Friday, March 15, 2024.

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When approached for her stance on Hegseth’s nomination, Ernst refrained from offering clear support. “Well, I did have a very long, lengthy discussion with Pete yesterday, and I do appreciate his service to the nation. I also am a combat veteran, so we talked about a number of those issues, and we will continue with the vetting process,” Ernst said on Thursday.

She further commented, “I think for a number of our senators, they want to make sure that any allegations have been cleared, and that’s why we have to have a very thorough vetting process.”

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Tammy Bruce, another Fox News host, joined the discussion with a pointed tweet directed at both Ernst and Graham. She warned, “It appears that both of you have become overconfident in relying on how the status quo has worked up to this point. But as a friendly reminder, things have changed, and continuing to try to kneecap Hegseth will not work out well for either one of you.”

Hegseth’s nomination has sparked debate within Republican ranks. Moderate and establishment Republicans have voiced concerns about his qualifications and polarizing reputation.

Behind closed doors, discussions among GOP senators have reportedly centered on the potential political fallout of opposing Hegseth, whose candidacy is strongly supported by Trump loyalists.

Trump, known for criticizing lawmakers he perceives as disloyal, has reiterated his unwavering support for Hegseth.

On Friday morning, the president-elect took to Truth Social to express his confidence in the nominee.

“Pete Hegseth is doing very well. His support is strong and deep, much more so than the Fake News would have you believe,” Trump wrote. “He was a great student – Princeton/Harvard educated – with a Military state of mind. He will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense, one who leads with charisma and skill. Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!”

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Hegseth’s nomination, viewed as a cornerstone of Trump’s vision for military reform, faces a challenging road ahead.

Whether Trump’s allies can secure sufficient Republican votes to overcome opposition remains to be seen. As deliberations continue, the spotlight remains on Ernst and Graham, whose actions may significantly impact the confirmation process.