For ads-free news, click here.
From the Wall Street Journal: President-elect Donald Trump is considering Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as a possible replacement for Pete Hegseth, his pick to run the Pentagon, according to people familiar with the discussions, amid Republican senators’ concerns over mounting allegations about the former Fox News host’s personal life.
Picking DeSantis, a 2024 GOP primary rival for the presidency, would amount to a stunning turn for Trump. But he would also find in the governor a well-known conservative with a service record who shares Trump’s—and Hegseth’s—view on culling what they see as “woke” policies in the military.
Trump allies increasingly think Hegseth may not survive further scrutiny, according to people close to the president-elect’s team, which considers the next 48 hours to be crucial to his fate.
The report explains that DeSantis, who served as a Navy lawyer in Iraq and the Guantanamo Bay detention facility, was originally included on a list of potential defense secretary candidates that transition officials presented to Trump.
Ultimately, Trump chose Hegseth, but he is now revisiting the list of alternatives since Hegseth’s chances of getting approved are faltering, and DeSantis’s name is still being discussed.
If Hegseth’s nomination falls apart, Trump could decide to go with DeSantis or one of the other candidates.
The full list was not disclosed, but other names reportedly include Elbridge Colby, a former Pentagon official and ally of Vice President-elect JD Vance, and Sen. Joni Ernst (R., Iowa).
Publicly, Trump is still backing Hegseth for the nomination of Defense Secretary. However, the WSJ noted that a 2017 sexual assault allegation against Hegseth “blindsided Trump transition officials,” although no charges were ever brought against him and details are conflicting on what exactly occurred.
If DeSantis is chosen for Defense Secretary, it would juggle Florida politics even further. DeSantis is already preparing to choose someone to replace Sen. Marco Rubio in the U.S. Senate, should his nomination for Secretary of State be approved.
Ron Salvador, CEO of DigiBuild, confirmed Tuesday night, “I just received word from a source I trust, the @RonDeSantis SecDef consideration by Trump is real.”
“This would bring the entire Republican Party together and be a great choice. DeSantis is a veteran who served, shares Trumps anti woke agenda, & wants to rebuild military. 👀” he added.
I just received word from a source I trust, the @RonDeSantis SecDef consideration by Trump is real.
This would bring the entire Republican Party together and be a great choice.
DeSantis is a veteran who served, shares Trumps anti woke agenda, & wants to rebuild military. 👀
— Robert J Salvador (@RobertJSalvador) December 4, 2024
A Polymarket poll is now predicting DeSantis will get the nomination.
.@Polymarket – Who will be Trump’s Defense Secretary?
Ron DeSantis: 32%
Joni Ernst: 26%
Pete Hegseth: 14%
Mike Rogers: 12%https://t.co/hz5EQaLRJL https://t.co/TVTWBdrxZ4 pic.twitter.com/pAaDMnKt02— InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) December 4, 2024
Townhall columnist Dustin Grage isn’t so sure.
Ron DeSantis would make an incredible Defense Secretary, but I’m still on the Pete Hegseth train.
The WSJ claim is notable, but I won’t believe it until I see it from other sources who are not hell-bent on creating friction for the Trump Administration.
For now, it’s just bait.
— Dustin Grage (@GrageDustin) December 4, 2024
President-elect Donald Trump is considering Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as a possible replacement for Pete Hegseth, his pick to run the Pentagon, according to people familiar with the discussions https://t.co/Ws30WKj57L
— WSJ Politics (@WSJPolitics) December 4, 2024
🚨 REPORT: President Trump is considering replacing Pete Hegseth with Ron DeSantis for Secretary of Defense, per WSJ and NYP
NO.
KEEP HEGSETH! pic.twitter.com/9Bh5SiToJh
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) December 4, 2024
Follow us on X (Formerly Twitter.)
Dennis Michael Lynch personal: www.X.com/TrustDML
The DML News App: www.X.com/DMLNewsApp
The Dennis Michael Lynch Podcast archive is available below, with the most recent on top. Never miss an episode. Subscribe to the show by downloading The DML News App or go to Apple Podcasts.
