President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering replacing his embattled pick for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, according to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal.
This follows Trump and DeSantis’s attendance at a memorial for fallen law enforcement officers on Tuesday in Florida, according to CBS News.
Far-left CBSNews Senior White House Ed O’Keefe echoed this reporting, stating, “Two sources familiar with the transition tell CBS News’ Aaron Navarro and me that President-elect Trump is considering naming Florida Gov. Ron De Santis as his pick for Defense Secretary. He would replace embattled Fox News host Pete Hegseth. Hegseth has faced allegations of past sexual and workplace misconduct which have come to light in recent news reports.”
NEW: Two sources familiar with the transition tell @cbsnews’ @aaronlarnavarro and me that President-elect Trump is considering naming Florida @GovRonDeSantis as his pick for Defense Secretary. He would replace embattled Fox News host Pete Hegseth. Hegseth has faced allegations of…
— Ed O’Keefe (@edokeefe) December 4, 2024
Hegseth, a decorated Army veteran and former Fox News host, has come under intense scrutiny over allegations of financial impropriety and personal misconduct, casting doubts on his ability to gain Senate confirmation.
Reports indicate that at least six Senate RINOs have expressed reservations about supporting Hegseth’s nomination.
Below are the RINOs who reportedly won’t commit to voting for Hegseth:
- Senator Susan Collins
- Senator Lisa Murkowski
- Senator John Curtis
- Senator Lindsey Graham
- Senator Mitch McConnell
- Senator John Thune
Amidst efforts to salvage his nomination, Hegseth has been actively engaging with Senate Republicans on Capitol Hill, discussing critical defense issues like the Department of Defense recruitment crisis, acquisition reform, and national security.
Despite the significant challenges, Hegseth recently tweeted about a productive meeting with Senator Ted Budd of North Carolina, highlighting his ongoing attempts to rally support.
“Had a productive meeting with @SenTedBuddNC discussing priorities like the DoD recruitment crisis, acquisition reform, and the defense of our homeland. Thankful for the Senator’s advice in this process,” Hegseth wrote.
Had a productive meeting with @SenTedBuddNC discussing priorities like the DoD recruitment crisis, acquisition reform, and the defense of our homeland. Thankful for the Senator’s advice in this process. pic.twitter.com/j9dBP3ZXqS
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) December 3, 2024
More from GOP Senators:
Pete knows that the Defense Secretary’s job is to empower the men and women of our military to carry out their patriotic duty, not consign them to serve as political pawns in a broken Washington. (2/3)
— Senator Bill Hagerty (@SenatorHagerty) November 21, 2024
Enjoyed catching up with a longstanding friend, Pete Hegseth, and offering my help during his confirmation process for Secretary of Defense. The pentagon needs shaking up. The status quo is dangerous.
— Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) November 15, 2024
Senator Tuberville praises Pete Hegseth following their meeting: “He’s going to be a great Secretary of Defense.”
BREAKING: Senator Tuberville praises Pete Hegseth after their meeting: “He’s going to be a great Secretary of Defense.”
pic.twitter.com/8yEwhiRwuh— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) December 2, 2024
Hegseth’s military credentials and media presence made him an early favorite among Trump allies.
Enter Governor Ron DeSantis, a former Navy Judge Advocate General and a rising conservative star. DeSantis gained national recognition during his tenure as governor of Florida, where he demonstrated a commitment to military veterans, law enforcement, and conservative values.
But this waned, when he ultimately decided to run against President Trump in the presidential primary.
This is a developing story.
