President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering replacing his nominee for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, following resistance from several GOP senators.
Hegseth, a former Fox News host, has faced significant controversy due to concerns about his qualifications for the role and several personal allegations, including an accusation of sexual assault by a woman after a 2017 Republican conference. This has raised doubts about his ability to secure confirmation in the Senate, despite the GOP taking control of the chamber next month.
Senators Lindsey Graham and Susan Collins have publicly expressed concerns about the sexual assault accusation, further complicating Hegseth's path to confirmation. Trump's allies are also worried that Hegseth might not withstand increased scrutiny, such as an FBI background check. As a result, Trump is now reportedly considering DeSantis for the position, according to a report from *The Wall Street Journal*.
DeSantis, a longtime Trump ally before challenging him in the 2024 GOP presidential primaries, served as a U.S. Navy officer and lawyer for many years before being elected governor of Florida in 2018. His strong stance against "woke" culture, a conservative buzzword often associated with opposition to diversity initiatives and issues like transgender rights, helped him win reelection in 2022, despite a growing rift with Trump.
Political analyst Craig Agranoff told *Newsweek* that DeSantis could use the role of Defense Secretary to further his "war" on wokeism, energizing supporters while potentially creating controversy. Speculation also suggests that the Trump administration may push to ban transgender individuals from serving in the military.
"If Trump is seriously considering DeSantis for Secretary of Defense instead of Hegseth, it signals a shift in priorities," Agranoff said. "DeSantis has executive experience and a strong political following, which could solidify Trump's base and strengthen his domestic defense agenda."
However, Agranoff added that this move could highlight concerns about Hegseth's qualifications or alignment with Trump’s broader strategic goals, potentially altering the dynamics of the administration and its policy direction.
While Hegseth is also known for his anti-woke stance, he would face significant challenges in securing Senate confirmation. If his nomination is withdrawn, it would mark the second failure of Trump's Cabinet picks, after former Congressman Matt Gaetz of Florida withdrew from consideration for U.S. Attorney General.
Senator Lindsey Graham told CBS News that the sexual assault allegations against Hegseth were "disturbing" and would likely make his confirmation "difficult," though he noted that Hegseth would have a chance to defend himself. Senator Susan Collins also called for an FBI background check and emphasized the usual vetting process, which would likely include a contentious public hearing for Hegseth.
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