President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for the position of defense secretary, potentially replacing the current nominee, Pete Hegseth, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
DeSantis and Trump have had a complex relationship over the years, oscillating between collaboration and rivalry. The two were competitors in the 2024 Republican presidential primary until DeSantis exited the race and endorsed Trump.
Should DeSantis be selected for this cabinet role, he would be the tenth individual from Florida appointed in Trump’s second administration. Notably, two other potential nominees, former Congressman Matt Gaetz and Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, have already withdrawn their names from consideration for their respective positions.
Currently, there are also reports that Hegseth may step aside, facing allegations of several forms of misconduct during his tenure with two veterans’ advocacy groups.
The discussions about a potential replacement are still in the preliminary stages, but Trump has reportedly mentioned DeSantis’s name to various advisors. DeSantis, a veteran who served in the U.S. Navy as a JAG officer in Iraq and at Guantánamo Bay, has gained a strong political foothold, having won a second term as governor in 2022 after benefiting from Trump’s support in 2018.
While their relationship has improved since the primary race, DeSantis remains a figure of some controversy within Trump’s inner circle.
This potential nomination could signal a strong partnership moving forward and a deeper commitment to Florida’s representation in national politics. As Trump assembles his team, it remains to be seen how DeSantis will navigate this new role and contribute to future defense strategies. Overall, this could be seen as an opportunity for a more unified front in the Republican Party as they address key national security issues.