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.