Thanks,Laura. We were already aware that Joni Ernst’s highest value is seeing herself remain in power. Nothing else, certainly not Iowans, matters as much to her. She is a tool of the new Trump administration. Thank you for your continued portrayal of the truth. We need your honesty and clear vision as we move into darker days.
You know, thinking it over I can't recall a nominee from a prior dem or GOP pres ever being *this* unqualified for a position as consequential. There were some clunkers for ambassadors, but none this bad for a position so significant.
Yes, that is true. But what is absolutely jaw-dropping this time around is that bending the knee has NEVER been to this degree in our American history.
And it's out in the open, not even sitting in the shadows.
Agree, Ernst looked like she was hypnotized or drugged as she went through her "questions" to fluff Hegseth. It was really pretty sad, after Laura showed what Ernst is capable of. And how far she's fallen from that frankly modest senatorial norm.
There was a time when nominees (and presidents) would only mess with senators at their own peril. Clearly with dark money and a voting base tethered to social media direction, that time is no more.
During Ernst's first term I attended a town hall in Boone, As an accounting professor I had a strong interest in the DOD's failure to complete an audit. I asked Ernst about it, reminding her of her "make them squeal" campaign. She assured me and the audience she cared deeply and that the DOD was about to get a clean audit. They were working hard on it, she said. Her response was feeble then, and her "probing" of the issue with Hegseth last week was not only five years later but even more anemic. Hegseth offered no specifics on how he would manage to get the DOD's finances in order. And given his own bleak record of financial management of small organizations, we can bet that clean audit won't happen this decade. Joni talks tough but she has joined the cult.
Thanks for yet another behind-the-scenes look, this time at the shameful kowtowing evident with Sen. Ernst. Yes, she's only interested in careerism. A Profile in Cowardice, she definitely is not making wrong-doers squeal.
It would seem that both of Iowas Senators are more concerned with getting certain documents entered into a Congressional Record than the veracity of of these documents
Joni Ernst has been appreciated for her support and work for women in the military. She has worked with Democratic women on a number of legislative initiatives for women and children. And in turn, been recognized and had nonpartisan support.
Sadly, she likely will lose the support of many Iowans, definitely woman.
Thank you, Laura. This is another example of, first, your tenacious research and, second, the selective inquiries of Senator Ernest, as well as of many of her colleagues in the U.S. Senate.
Exceptional in-depth reporting. Once again, a politician’s desire for self-preservation wins out over the obligation to serve the interests of the public. Tragic, but not unexpected.
Excellent article - thank you! I am extremely disappointed in Ernst....she has done a disservice to the people of this country and especially to women. She has buried her support and fight for women survivors of sexual assault and instead, supported Hegseth and other nominees with sexual assault in their stained past.
I can’t find the information, but I thought Sen Ernst said her daughter was stationed or serving in Georgia. I only mention it because it seems relevant to approving Hegseth-who seems to have a negative view of women in the military, even though he’s tried to wordsmith his comments for the confirmation hearings.
Well here we go, off into the wild blue yonder of the new Trump administration. Such stellar cabinet nominees. Thank you Joni for giving up on your core values. Now, without a doubt voters know exactly where you stand. There was a time when you gave us hope. Now, you are making your constituents squeal.
Thanks,Laura. We were already aware that Joni Ernst’s highest value is seeing herself remain in power. Nothing else, certainly not Iowans, matters as much to her. She is a tool of the new Trump administration. Thank you for your continued portrayal of the truth. We need your honesty and clear vision as we move into darker days.
All very true, but a common trait among many elected officials.
If a Democratic president nominated someone this unqualified, I don't think the Senate would confirm them.
You know, thinking it over I can't recall a nominee from a prior dem or GOP pres ever being *this* unqualified for a position as consequential. There were some clunkers for ambassadors, but none this bad for a position so significant.
Yes, that is true. But what is absolutely jaw-dropping this time around is that bending the knee has NEVER been to this degree in our American history.
And it's out in the open, not even sitting in the shadows.
Agree, Ernst looked like she was hypnotized or drugged as she went through her "questions" to fluff Hegseth. It was really pretty sad, after Laura showed what Ernst is capable of. And how far she's fallen from that frankly modest senatorial norm.
There was a time when nominees (and presidents) would only mess with senators at their own peril. Clearly with dark money and a voting base tethered to social media direction, that time is no more.
There was a time when members of Congress jealously guarded their constitutional role--even when the president was a member of their own party!
Astonishing to see House and Senate capitulate to everything Trump demands.
During Ernst's first term I attended a town hall in Boone, As an accounting professor I had a strong interest in the DOD's failure to complete an audit. I asked Ernst about it, reminding her of her "make them squeal" campaign. She assured me and the audience she cared deeply and that the DOD was about to get a clean audit. They were working hard on it, she said. Her response was feeble then, and her "probing" of the issue with Hegseth last week was not only five years later but even more anemic. Hegseth offered no specifics on how he would manage to get the DOD's finances in order. And given his own bleak record of financial management of small organizations, we can bet that clean audit won't happen this decade. Joni talks tough but she has joined the cult.
Sue, this is a fascinating story. Do you remember which year this was?
“Joni on the job” should, instead, read “Joni on the take.”
Thank you for researching and sharing these details that indicate the depth of Ernst’s integrity. Or maybe I should say shallowness.
Senator Ernst and Senator Grassley are so afraid of Trump….as to be pitiful. They continue to prove it as they keep their heads down.
Thanks for yet another behind-the-scenes look, this time at the shameful kowtowing evident with Sen. Ernst. Yes, she's only interested in careerism. A Profile in Cowardice, she definitely is not making wrong-doers squeal.
It would seem that both of Iowas Senators are more concerned with getting certain documents entered into a Congressional Record than the veracity of of these documents
What changed? Four words. Kari Lake in Iowa.
I don't think Kari Lake would win a primary against Ernst, but clearly Ernst doesn't want to roll the dice on upsetting Donald Trump.
Joni Ernst has been appreciated for her support and work for women in the military. She has worked with Democratic women on a number of legislative initiatives for women and children. And in turn, been recognized and had nonpartisan support.
Sadly, she likely will lose the support of many Iowans, definitely woman.
Thank you, Laura. This is another example of, first, your tenacious research and, second, the selective inquiries of Senator Ernest, as well as of many of her colleagues in the U.S. Senate.
Exceptional in-depth reporting. Once again, a politician’s desire for self-preservation wins out over the obligation to serve the interests of the public. Tragic, but not unexpected.
We can always, always count on Laura for a deep dive on facts.
Excellent article - thank you! I am extremely disappointed in Ernst....she has done a disservice to the people of this country and especially to women. She has buried her support and fight for women survivors of sexual assault and instead, supported Hegseth and other nominees with sexual assault in their stained past.
Thank you.
So depressing.
Laura, this is world-class reporting. Thank you. I wish the whole U.S. would subscribe to you!
Thank you, Lauren! You are very kind.
Isn’t Joni’s daughter serving in the military?
Her daughter attended West Point, but I don't know exactly when or whether she is still serving.
I can’t find the information, but I thought Sen Ernst said her daughter was stationed or serving in Georgia. I only mention it because it seems relevant to approving Hegseth-who seems to have a negative view of women in the military, even though he’s tried to wordsmith his comments for the confirmation hearings.
Well here we go, off into the wild blue yonder of the new Trump administration. Such stellar cabinet nominees. Thank you Joni for giving up on your core values. Now, without a doubt voters know exactly where you stand. There was a time when you gave us hope. Now, you are making your constituents squeal.