Trump May Replace Hegseth With DeSantis Amid Controversy

President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering replacing his Defense Secretary pick, former Fox News host Pete Hegseth, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

The potential shake-up, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, comes as Republican senators express concerns over sexual assault allegations and accusations of alcohol abuse against Hegseth.

Hegseth, who has faced growing scrutiny in recent weeks, is under fire after new allegations emerged over the weekend.

Reports claim the former “Fox & Friends Weekend” host engaged in inappropriate behavior, including incidents of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking. These revelations have prompted some GOP senators to question his suitability for leading the Department of Defense.

In an effort to shore up support, Hegseth is scheduled to meet with the House Republican Study Committee on Wednesday.

While members of the House do not play a role in the Senate confirmation process, such meetings could be seen as a way to pressure GOP senators into backing Trump’s controversial pick.

Hegseth has already held three rounds of meetings with senators and brought his wife, Jennifer Cunningham Rauchet, a former Fox News producer, to his most recent discussions.

Despite the allegations and growing backlash, Trump’s senior adviser Jason Miller dismissed concerns, stating that the team stands by Hegseth’s nomination.

However, the Wall Street Journal report suggests that Trump is privately weighing other options, including DeSantis.

If DeSantis were chosen, it would mark a dramatic turn of events. The Florida governor was one of Trump’s most vocal opponents during the Republican primary, launching a campaign to unseat the former president as the GOP’s standard-bearer.

The two frequently exchanged personal attacks during the race. Despite this, DeSantis has sought to reconcile with Trump since the primary ended, positioning himself as a loyal conservative ally.

DeSantis’s military background and strong conservative credentials could make him an appealing replacement for Hegseth, especially as the latter’s nomination becomes increasingly fraught.

As governor, DeSantis has cultivated a national reputation for his conservative policies and combative political style, which have earned him significant support within the Republican Party.

DeSantis is term-limited as governor and will be unable to seek reelection after his current term ends in 2027. The speculation surrounding his potential role in Trump’s Cabinet raises questions about his political future and whether he may pursue a return to federal office.

Adding to the intrigue, former Representative Matt Gaetz, another controversial Florida Republican, has been floated as a possible contender to succeed DeSantis as governor.

Gaetz, who previously withdrew his nomination for attorney general due to sexual misconduct allegations, remains a polarizing figure within the party.

The latest developments come at a critical moment for Trump as he works to finalize his Cabinet appointments amid mounting criticism.

If Trump were to select DeSantis, it could signal an attempt to stabilize his administration and move past the controversies surrounding Hegseth. However, replacing one high-profile pick with another equally polarizing figure could also invite new challenges for the incoming administration.

The decision, if finalized, would reflect Trump’s preference for maintaining loyalty within his inner circle while navigating the complexities of Senate confirmation battles and public scrutiny.