What it would mean for Florida if DeSantis became Trump's defense secretary
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Photo illustration: Maura Losch/Axios. Photo: Tristan Wheelock/Bloomberg via Getty Images.
Should President-elect Trump pick Gov. Ron DeSantis to lead the Defense Department (and should DeSantis accept), his exit would upend Florida's political landscape and scramble its government.
Why it matters: Trump's cabinet picks have led to a game of political musical chairs in the Sunshine State, drawing resignations, surprise endorsements, and no shortage of drama.
Driving the news: DeSantis' departure would close the book on one of Florida's most transformational political eras, one in which the Republican Party cemented its dominance of the state.
- DeSantis oversaw a rightward shift that made Florida a test kitchen for conservative policies in education and anti-LGBTQ+ laws, eroded abortion rights and dealt blow after blow to Florida Democrats.
- The move would also thrust Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez into the role of chief executive, which would make her the first woman and first Cuban-American to hold the office.
Catch up quick: The path toward confirmation for Trump's current nominee, Pete Hegseth, appears uncertain after a sexual assault allegation against him resurfaced last month.
- Four Republicans withholding their support would sink his nomination — a prospect that could prompt his withdrawal.
- Trump and DeSantis have discussed the possibility of DeSantis replacing Hegseth as the Defense Secretary nominee, multiple outlets have reported.
The big picture: If these appointments pan out, the third most populous state would lose its twice-elected governor and one of its two senators to the increasingly powerful Sunshine State-to-West Wing pipeline.
- U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio's confirmation would leave a vacant Senate seat that has drawn national interest. U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) urged DeSantis to appoint Trump's daughter-in-law Lara Trump.
Friction point: 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 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."