Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) joked Wednesday that he would consider confirming Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) as defense secretary if he admits to using elevators in his shoes.

“I’m considering a YES to him if he finally approves his boots with 4-inch lifts,” Fetterman wrote in a post on the social platform X.

Fetterman’s post also included a screenshot of an article from The Hill about a Wall Street Journal report that President-elect Trump is reportedly considering swapping his choice for defense secretary, former Fox News personality Pete Hegseth, for DeSantis.

DeSantis has been hit by rumors that he wore jacked-up boots to look taller during his recent failed presidential bid.

Hegseth has faced headwinds on his path to becoming Pentagon chief as Republican senators’ attention on him has increased following recent revelations about alleged alcohol abuse and sexual misconduct in his past.

Despite the controversy, Hegseth said Wednesday that he would not back down; In a post on the social platform X, he suggested that he was the target of a smear campaign by the Democrats.

“I do this for the war fighters, not the warmongers. The left is afraid of disruptors and change agents. They are afraid of @realDonaldTrump – and me,” he wrote.

“So they slander with fake, anonymous sources and nonsense stories. They don’t want the truth,” the former “Fox & Friends” co-host continued. “Our warriors never give in, and neither do I.”

Last month, Trump announced he had tapped Hegseth for the role of defense secretary, saying he was “tough, smart and a true believer in America First.” With Pete at the helm, America’s enemies are on guard – our military will be great again and America will never back down.”

The Hill has reached out to DeSantis’ communications office for further comment.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Find the latest news, weather, sports and streaming videos on The Hill.