EXCLUSIVE: Hegseth confirmation battle heats up with new ad targeting GOP senator

Building America’s Future, a conservative nonprofit, is pouring half a million dollars into an ad buy to support Pete Hegseth in his battle to be confirmed as Trump’s next Secretary of Defense, the Daily Caller learned first.

The nonprofit’s ad will run on national TV but will also specifically target digital platforms across the state of Iowa, according to a press release obtained by the Daily Caller. Republican Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst is one of the senators who is threatening Hegseth’s confirmation chances. She has indicated that she was still undecided on her vote, despite a long meeting together.

“America needs a Defense Secretary who knows what it means to fight, and understands the price of freedom. Pete Hegseth is a patriot, a decorated combat veteran and a warrior who will stop at nothing to keep America safe,” the ad reads.

“The Deep State is trying to stop his nomination, but Pete isn’t backing down. Call your senator today and urge them to confirm Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense,” the ad concludes, providing the number for the U.S. Capitol Switchboard.

Since Trump nominated Hegseth to be his Defense Secretary, the decorated veteran has come under scrutiny for his past, which includes a 2017 investigation into claims he sexually assaulted a woman, though no charges were ever filed. Some news outlets have published stories claiming that the former Fox News host had abused alcohol. The New York Times obtained and published a 2018 letter from Hegseth’s mother, who called out her son for his alleged mistreatment and belittling of women. Hegseth’s mother told Fox News on Wednesday that she had sent the email in “haste” and apologized for sending it two hours later.

“That’s what a smear looks like. It’s a couple anonymous nuggets, usually from disgruntled people who were fired for cause, who are jealous or want a little bit of retribution, and so they peddle stuff to reporters who are not interested in the truth. They’re interested in smearing someone who supports Donald Trump’s agenda,” Hegseth said on the Megyn Kelly show, denying the allegations brought against him.

Amid the allegations and negative press, Hegseth has continued to meet with Senators in an attempt to win over their vote. While the Defense Secretary pick has made progress, and the president-elect has continued to support his nominee, Ernst has still declined to back Hegseth.

“I appreciate Pete Hegseth’s service to our country, something we both share. Today, as part of the confirmation process, we had a frank and thorough conversation,” the Iowa Senator tweeted Wednesday.

I appreciate Pete Hegseth’s service to our country, something we both share.

Today, as part of the confirmation process, we had a frank and thorough conversation.

— Joni Ernst (@SenJoniErnst) December 4, 2024

Ernst’s opposition to Hegseth has been met with frustration from some conservatives. Yet, the Iowa senator told Real Clear Politics on Thursday that she was not leading any opposition movement to Hegseth and was not interested in the position herself. The Wall Street Journal previously reported that Ernst, alongside Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, were potentially in the running to replace Hegseth if his nomination fell through.

“There is absolutely no campaign against Pete,” Ernst told the outlet.