Trump considers DeSantis to replace Hegseth as Defense Secretary pick
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Ron DeSantis at a press conference on Sept. 17 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
President-elect Trump is considering replacing Pete Hegseth — his current nominee to lead the Defense Department — with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, multiple outlets reported.
Why it matters: Hegseth's path to confirmation appears in jeopardy. Some Senate Republicans have expressed reservations about the Fox News host after a sexual assault allegation against him resurfaced last month.
- If four Republicans withhold their support, Hegseth's nomination would founder — a prospect that could preempt his withdrawal.
Driving the news: Trump and DeSantis have personally discussed the possibility of DeSantis replacing Hegseth as the Defense Secretary nominee, The Bulwark's Marc Caputo, who is joining Axios in 2025, reported.
- DeSantis is reportedly "receptive" to the idea, The Bulwark reported.
- The discussion comes as Trump is reportedly concerned that Hegseth won't secure the necessary GOP support to be confirmed.
- Other than DeSantis, Trump is also weighing former Pentagon official Elbridge Colby and Sen. Joni Ernst (R–Iowa), a combat veteran, as replacement nominees, the Wall Street Journal reported.
DeSantis' office did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.
Catch up quick: In addition to the sexual misconduct allegation, Hegseth is facing allegations of financial mismanagement, the New Yorker reported.
- Several of his Fox News colleagues have also raised concerns about his drinking habits, NBC News reported, citing unnamed sources.
- Hegseth's lawyer, Timothy Parlatore, told Axios Wednesday that the allegations about Hegseth's alcohol use were "entirely false."
Flashback: Trump and DeSantis haven't always seen eye-to-eye.
- DeSantis ran against Trump in the 2024 GOP presidential primary before dropping out and endorsing him.
- The Florida governor criticized Trump's handling of the COVID pandemic as well as his flip-flopping on abortion.
- Trump has repeatedly attacked DeSantis for being insufficiently loyal. He also gave him the disparaging nickname "Ron DeSanctimonious."
Go deeper: Hegseth police report detailing alleged sexual assault released
