DeKalb GA News

President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as a replacement for his current pick for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth. This information comes from sources cited by The Wall Street Journal and CBS News.

Trump and DeSantis were recently seen together at a memorial event in Florida honoring fallen law enforcement officers. CBS News Senior White House correspondent Ed O’Keefe reported, “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.”

Hegseth, who has served as an Army veteran and former Fox News host, is under scrutiny due to allegations of financial impropriety and personal misconduct. These issues are affecting his potential Senate confirmation, with at least six Republican Senators expressing reservations about supporting his nomination.

Senators Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, John Curtis, Lindsey Graham, Mitch McConnell, and John Thune are reportedly hesitant to commit their votes to Hegseth's confirmation.

In response to these challenges, Hegseth has been actively engaging with Senate Republicans on Capitol Hill to discuss important defense topics such as the Department of Defense recruitment crisis and acquisition reform. He recently tweeted about a productive meeting with Senator Ted Budd of North Carolina: “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,” he wrote.

Support for Hegseth remains among some GOP Senators. Senator Bill Hagerty emphasized that “the Defense Secretary’s job is to empower the men and women of our military.” Senator John Cornyn also expressed support during Hegseth’s confirmation process: "The pentagon needs shaking up." Meanwhile, Senator Tuberville praised Hegseth after a meeting: “He’s going to be a great Secretary of Defense.”

Ron DeSantis brings experience as a former Navy Judge Advocate General and has gained national attention as governor of Florida through his focus on military veterans and conservative values. However, tensions arose when DeSantis ran against Trump in the presidential primary.

This situation continues to evolve as further developments unfold.