President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as a potential replacement for Pete Hegseth, his initial pick for secretary of the Department of Defense (DOD), due to growing controversies and resistance from key GOP senators.
In November, Trump picked Hegseth, a 44-year-old Army veteran and former Fox News host, to lead the DOD. However, Hegseth has faced increasing backlash over allegations of sexual misconduct and financial impropriety during his tenure at veterans' advocacy organizations Veterans for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America. Hegseth also allegedly engaged in inappropriate behavior, including excessive drinking at events, and failed to address sexual harassment claims within his leadership teams.
The defense secretary position requires Senate confirmation. However, the nomination of Hegseth has been encountering significant resistance, with as many as six Republican senators hindering his path to confirmation. (Related: Pete Hegseth, Trump's defense secretary pick, covered in pro-war tattoos, including Matthew 10:34 that promises the SWORD, not peace.)
In line with this, DeSantis, a 46-year-old former Navy Judge Advocate General Corps and one-time rival to Trump in the 2024 Republican primary, has emerged as a contender for the role. DeSantis, who was on the initial shortlist for defense secretary during the transition planning of Trump, has stood against "woke" policies in the military.
During the campaign period, DeSantis criticized diversity initiatives and climate-focused defense programs, while promising to restore traditional military values and prioritize mission-readiness. His proposals included revoking policies supporting transgender service members and reinstating personnel discharged for refusing the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines.
"Our mantra on Jan. 20, 2025, as commander-in-chief will be very simple: mission first, accomplish the mission," DeSantis said on the campaign trail in South Carolina in 2023 while blaming "wokeism" for a drop in military recruitment. "We also have to ensure that there's good order and discipline on military installations. Having things like drag shows on military bases should not be allowed." These stances very much aligned with Trump and Hegseth.
Hegseth remains defiant despite allegations and uncertainty about his confirmation
While reports have been circulating about the potential replacement, Hegseth met with senators on Capitol Hill Tuesday, Dec. 4, to rally support for his confirmation.
His meetings include talks with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), who claimed Hegseth had to answer "hard questions," and Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a military veteran and survivor of sexual assault. Ernst, along with Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York), co-sponsored legislation that advocates for accountability in cases of sexual misconduct in the armed forces.
"I appreciate Pete Hegseth's service to our country, something we both share," Ernst wrote on social media. "Today, as part of the confirmation process, we had a frank and thorough conversation."
In other words, Hegseth remains defiant despite allegations and uncertainty about his confirmation. He even told reporters that Trump is totally behind him.
"I spoke to the President-elect this morning. He said keep going keep fighting. I'm behind you all the way… why would I back down?" Hegseth told reporters for TV News Now.
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