There’s a Plan B for the Secretary of Defense if the Senate stops Pete Hegseth, and conservatives will likely be happy about it.
President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly evaluating Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as a possible replacement candidate for the Department of Defense, sources familiar with the transition process told CBS News on Tuesday. This consideration arises as Pete Hegseth, the current nominee, faces mounting challenges to his confirmation. If selected, DeSantis could replace Hegseth, whose appointment has become contentious due to a slew of allegations.
The speculation follows a recent event in Florida where Trump and DeSantis attended a memorial honoring fallen law enforcement officers. Both camps have remained tight-lipped about the matter, with representatives from the Trump team declining to confirm DeSantis’s potential candidacy and DeSantis’s spokesperson offering no comment.
Hegseth’s confirmation process is in jeopardy due to accusations of sexual misconduct, financial mismanagement in veterans’ organizations, and issues of personal misconduct, including intoxication and infidelity. Senate Republicans have expressed reservations, with at least four GOP senators reportedly unwilling to support his nomination if a vote were held today. Senator Lindsey Graham has characterized the allegations as “disturbing,” stating that while Hegseth has the opportunity to address the claims, some issues may prove insurmountable. Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for a thorough examination of the accusations.
The controversy deepened following a report from The New Yorker, which alleged that Hegseth had previously resigned from leadership positions at two nonprofit organizations, Veterans for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America, amid allegations of workplace misconduct and financial irregularities. Hegseth’s attorney has denied the claims.
Supporters of the Defense nominee reminded me that Mayer has a history of running with unconfirmed reports and shouldn’t be trusted.
Meanwhile, DeSantis’s relationship with Trump has evolved significantly. Once rivals in the Republican presidential primaries, where DeSantis failed to gain traction and withdrew early in the race, the Florida governor has since positioned himself as an ally to the president-elect. Following his endorsement of Trump in January, the two men have worked to mend their strained relationship, meeting privately in Florida earlier this year. Political advisers from both sides have encouraged this reconciliation, viewing it as beneficial for party unity.
Reports from The Wall Street Journal suggested that Trump sees DeSantis as a strategic alternative to Hegseth, though no decision has been finalized. As Hegseth’s nomination faces increasing resistance, DeSantis might represent a pragmatic choice for navigating the challenges of the confirmation process while reinforcing the cohesion of Trump’s cabinet.
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