Ron DeSantis Is Positioning Himself as Pete Hegseth’s Replacement Pick

And President-elect Donald Trump is considering the Florida governor as a possible replacement for his embattled defense secretary nominee.

Ron DeSantis

Andrew Harnik/AP

Florida Gov. Ron Desantis has expressed interest in the secretary of defense nomination in conversations with Donald Trump’s transition team should Pete Hegseth withdraw from the process, according to two sources familiar with the matter.

Trump is mulling DeSantis as a possible replacement for Hegseth, The Wall Street Journal first reported on Tuesday night. Hegseth, a veteran and former Fox News host, has faced questions about his past conduct, including allegations of alcohol abuse and sexual misconduct, that threaten his confirmation.

The Florida governor is interested in the role.