President-elect Donald Trump is considering nominating Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida as defense secretary to replace Pete Hegseth, Trump's current pick for the position. DeSantis, a former Trump rival, reconciled with the president after the primaries and actively supported him during the general election. As a popular conservative governor and Navy veteran who served in Iraq, DeSantis was re-elected in 2022 but is term-limited.
Multiple sources have confirmed that DeSantis is a strong contender to replace Hegseth. Trump himself reportedly suggested DeSantis's name during a meeting in Florida. Meanwhile, Hegseth, facing allegations of drinking and sexual misconduct, continues to seek confirmation as defense secretary, denying the accusations against him.
During his visit to Capitol Hill, Hegseth expressed determination to fight for his confirmation, with his mother also coming forward to defend him and urge senators to listen to his side of the story. If DeSantis is nominated and confirmed by the GOP-controlled Senate, Florida's Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez would become the state's first female governor and the first of Cuban descent.
