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How key Republican senators are responding to Trump allies' primary threats

By THOMAS BEAUMONT and MEG KINNARD - Jan 25, 2025, 09:59 AM ET
Last Updated - Jan 25, 2025, 09:59 AM EST
Trump Cabinet Noem
Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, listens at the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee confirmation hearing for South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be Secretary of Homeland Security, at the Capitol in Washington, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Allies of President Donald Trump have been quick to threaten primary challengers for Republican senators who don’t back Trump's Cabinet picks and legislative priorities

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — From activists on the far right to Elon Musk, allies of President Donald Trump have been quick to threaten primary challengers for Republican senators who don't back his Cabinet picks and legislative priorities.

In the case of Iowa's Joni Ernst, conservatives threatened to run against her if she didn't back Trump's pick for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth — before she announced she would.

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Louisiana's Bill Cassidy, a doctor before entering politics, is being closely watched for how he will question Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump's nominee for health secretary

South Carolina's Lindsey Graham, a Trump confidant, has long been targeted by the far right in his state and was booed at a home-state rally during the 2024 presidential campaign.

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