Trump Considers DeSantis for Defense Secretary

President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly contemplating replacing his Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis amid increasing scrutiny and allegations against Hegseth, including sexual misconduct. Concerns voiced by Republican senators, such as Lindsey Graham and Susan Collins, have raised doubts about Hegseth's confirmation prospects in the Senate. Trump's transition team views the next 48 hours as critical for Hegseth's nomination, with discussions revealing alternative candidates, including Governor DeSantis and Senator Joni Ernst, who is also considered confirmable. DeSantis, a former Navy JAG officer and rising conservative figure, was initially on Trump's shortlist but was ultimately passed over for Hegseth. As Hegseth faces mounting controversies, Trump's allies are increasingly concerned that he may not survive the confirmation process, prompting the reevaluation of potential replacements. This situation highlights the precarious nature of political appointments within the incoming administration.