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Trump may swap Hegseth for DeSantis to helm DoD

December 05, 2024
David Moscrop
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, is seen ahead of a meeting with Sen. Tommy Tuberville in Washington on Dec. 2, 2024.
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, is seen ahead of a meeting with Sen. Tommy Tuberville in Washington on Dec. 2, 2024.
Aaron Schwartz/Sipa USA via Reuters
Shortly after Trump lost Matt Gaetz, his pick for attorney general, reports suggest that the president-elect may soon send Pete Hegseth, nominated as defense secretary, packing.

Hegseth is facing multiple misconduct allegations, including financial mismanagement related to his work with veteran nonprofit groups, sexual assault, sexism, and alcohol abuse. Unsurprisingly, the former Fox News host faces increasingly long odds of being confirmed by the Senate, with as many as six Republican senators considering voting against him. Nonetheless, Hegseth says he’s not backing down.

Perhaps more surprisingly, Trump is reportedly considering Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to replace Hegseth. Over the years, Trump and DeSantis have had a … fraught relationship, drifting back and forth as allies, competitors, and even enemies. Trump repeatedly lashed out against his rival – and DeSantis didn’t exactly hold back.

It appears, however, that despite past animosity, Trump has warmed to the idea of DeSantis replacing Hegseth. DeSantis will almost certainly face an easier confirmation process and spare the incoming Republican administration the embarrassment of a confirmation vote defeat in the Senate.

We’ll be watching whether Trump follows through. Meanwhile, the transition team is reportedly also considering Republican Sens. Joni Ernst and Bill Hagerty.

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