Trump is considering Ron DeSantis as a replacement

WASHINGTON – President-elect Donald Trump is considering dropping his nominee to lead the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth, and nominating Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in his place, the Wall Street Journal and CBS News reported Tuesday.

Hegseth’s nomination has run into trouble on Capitol Hill over allegations about his personal and professional life, and Trump’s allies increasingly believe Hegseth may not withstand further scrutiny, the Journal reported. DeSantis, who lost his bid for the Republican presidential nomination to Trump, was on an earlier list of potential candidates for defense secretary before Trump chose Hegseth.

CBS News also reported Tuesday, citing three sources familiar with the transition, that Trump was considering selecting DeSantis as a possible replacement for Hegseth.

DeSantis served in the Navy’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps from 2004 to 2010. The Journal said Trump could decide not to vote for DeSantis and choose another replacement if Hegseth’s nomination fails.

Hegseth, a combat veteran and former Fox News host, would need the support of Senate Republicans to win confirmation for the post. In addition to the sexual assault allegation, a whistleblower report alleged that Hegseth was expelled from the nonprofit groups for personal misconduct, mismanagement of funds and workplace drunkenness.

The Trump transition office and DeSantis’ office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

After weeks of speculation about whether Trump would follow normal presidential transition procedures to delve into the backgrounds of those nominated for top federal positions, the president-elect’s transition team announced Tuesday that it had reached an agreement with the Justice Department Have background checks taken and security clearances.

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Trump is considering Ron DeSantis as a replacement

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