President-elect Donald Trump is considering Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as a potential replacement for Pete Hegseth, his current nominee for Secretary of Defense. This development arises amid concerns over Hegseth’s ability to secure Senate confirmation due to allegations of sexual misconduct and financial mismanagement.
Hegseth, a former Army National Guard officer and Fox News personality, has been accused of a 2017 sexual assault and other misconduct during his tenure with veterans’ organizations. These allegations have raised doubts among Senate Republicans about his suitability for the Pentagon’s top position.
In response to these concerns, Trump’s transition team is evaluating alternative candidates, with Governor DeSantis emerging as a prominent option. DeSantis, who is term-limited and set to leave office in early 2027, previously served as a Navy Judge Advocate General officer and legal adviser to a SEAL team. His military background and alignment with Trump’s defense policies make him a viable candidate for the role.
The potential appointment of DeSantis would have significant political implications in Florida. If DeSantis accepts the position, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez would ascend to the governorship, becoming Florida’s first female governor and the first of Cuban descent.
As Hegseth continues to seek support on Capitol Hill, meeting with key GOP senators, the Trump administration is expected to make a final decision on the nomination in the coming days. The outcome will not only shape the leadership of the Department of Defense but also influence the political landscape in Florida.
