President-elect Trump is reportedly considering swapping out his controversial pick for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, for someone else. Hegseth is indeed a great choice, but the person being rumored to replace him may be even better. It’s none other than Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump’s deliberations follow mounting resistance to Hegseth’s nomination and a recent joint appearance with DeSantis at a law enforcement memorial in Florida.
NEW: Two sources familiar with the transition tell @cbsnews’ @aaronlarnavarro and me that President-elect Trump is considering naming Florida @GovRonDeSantis as his pick for Defense Secretary. He would replace embattled Fox News host Pete Hegseth. Hegseth has faced allegations of…
— Ed O’Keefe (@edokeefe) December 4, 2024
Hegseth, a decorated Army veteran and former Fox News host, initially seemed like a solid choice for Defense Secretary. But reports of alleged financial impropriety and personal misconduct have thrown his nomination into jeopardy. Add to that a chorus of dissent from Senate RINOs (Republicans in Name Only) like Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, and the writing may be on the wall. Hegseth has been pounding the pavement on Capitol Hill, meeting with GOP senators to discuss defense priorities like recruitment challenges and acquisition reform, but even his military credentials may not be enough to overcome the bad press.
Enter Ron DeSantis. The Florida governor, a former Navy Judge Advocate General with a strong conservative track record, is now reportedly under consideration for the role. While DeSantis and Trump had their political feud during the 2024 GOP primary, it seems Trump may be willing to let bygones be bygones. After all, DeSantis has made a name for himself championing veterans and law enforcement, two critical constituencies for Trump’s America First agenda.
DeSantis as Defense Secretary would undoubtedly cause waves. On one hand, his military background and executive leadership in Florida could reassure both conservatives and hawkish Republicans. On the other, his national ambitions and previous rivalry with Trump might give some pause. Is this a chance for DeSantis to redeem himself in MAGA circles, or is Trump playing 4D chess by keeping a potential 2028 competitor busy in a demanding cabinet role?
Meanwhile, Hegseth isn’t giving up without a fight. He’s actively courting Senate Republicans, with some like Senator Tommy Tuberville publicly praising his potential as Defense Secretary. However, with at least six Senate Republicans reportedly hesitant to back him, the confirmation math isn’t in his favor.
This move would reflect Trump’s signature unpredictability. If DeSantis does get the nod, it would be a high-profile appointment with huge implications for both the Pentagon and the Republican Party’s future.
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