Trump's Shocking Move: Ron DeSantis to Replace Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary?.

President-elect Donald Trump is contemplating the possibility of replacing Pete Hegseth, his contentious choice for the position of Secretary of Defense, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who was a rival in the 2024 election, according to sources familiar with the matter as reported by The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday.

This consideration arises as Hegseth, a 44-year-old Army veteran and former Fox News commentator, is under increasing scrutiny due to allegations of sexual misconduct and financial mismanagement.

The role of defense secretary requires confirmation from the Senate, and Hegseth is facing significant challenges in gaining the support of Republican senators who are concerned about his past actions.

Reports indicate that as many as six Senate Republicans have voiced their hesitations regarding Hegseth's confirmation for the prominent position at the Pentagon, as noted by NBC News.

DeSantis, who previously served as a Navy Judge Advocate General, was included in a shortlist of candidates for the position of defense secretary that transition officials presented to Trump prior to his selection of Hegseth, as reported by the Journal.

The list has been revisited and reintroduced to Trump amid ongoing allegations concerning Hegseth, which several senators have characterized as “disturbing.”

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Sources speaking to the Journal have warned that Trump, at 78 years of age, may opt for a different candidate to replace Hegseth if his nomination does not succeed.

Recently, the prospect of being nominated as defense secretary has been put forth to DeSantis, 46, as reported by the outlet.

On Tuesday, the president-elect and the Florida governor attended a memorial service for fallen police officers in Palm Beach County, Florida.

Similar to Hegseth and Trump, DeSantis has openly criticized the “woke” policies of the Pentagon.

Throughout his presidential primary campaign, DeSantis advocated for the elimination of Pentagon diversity initiatives and the reduction of military programs aimed at addressing climate change.

“Our mantra on Jan. 20, 2025, as commander in chief will be very simple: mission first, accomplish the mission,” DeSantis said during the campaign in South Carolina last year, blaming “wokeism” for a drop in military recruitment.

“We also have to ensure that there’s good order and discipline on military installations,” the Florida governor added. “Having things like drag shows on military bases should not be allowed.”

DeSantis further expressed that, if elected president, he would eliminate a policy established by the Biden-Harris administration that permits transgender individuals to serve in the military according to their identified gender. Additionally, he would reinstate military personnel who were discharged for declining to receive COVID-19 vaccinations.

Hegseth has been actively engaging with GOP senators on Capitol Hill this week to garner support for his nomination, articulating his vision for the Pentagon during these discussions.

Shortly after being selected to assume the role of defense secretary, it was reported that Hegseth was the subject of a 2017 sexual assault allegation originating from Monterey County, California.

He has not faced any charges, and his attorney asserts that the allegations are “false.”

Earlier this week, the New Yorker published additional troubling allegations against Trump’s nominee, brought forth by former employees of Veterans for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America, nonprofit organizations advocating for veterans that Hegseth led from 2007 to 2016.

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Two former employees, along with emails and a whistleblower dossier from 2015, suggested that Hegseth was requested to resign from the organizations due to his excessive drinking at events and his failure to address instances of sexual harassment directed at female associates by senior male members of management, as reported by the outlet.

The previous Fox News anchor allegedly became so inebriated during a visit to a Louisiana strip club in November 2014 that he attempted to join the strippers on stage. A female colleague reportedly had to intervene and remove him before security personnel escorted them out.

The report further asserted that Hegseth became inebriated during a CVA tour in Ohio in May 2015, during which he reportedly shouted, “Kill All Muslims! Kill All Muslims!”

An email purportedly sent to Hegseth’s successor at CVA, which was acquired by the New Yorker, characterized the Pentagon appointee as managing the “organization funds as if they were a personal expense account — for socializing, drinking, and utilizing CVA events primarily as chances to engage with women while traveling.”

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Pete Hegseth’s bid for Secretary of Defense faces serious obstacles due to troubling allegations, including sexual misconduct and financial mismanagement. Reports of inappropriate behavior, such as excessive drinking and harassment during his tenure at Veterans for Freedom, paint a concerning picture of his character.

His past actions, including disturbing comments and unethical behavior, have alienated key Republican senators, leaving doubts about his ability to secure confirmation. With his credibility in question and a history of controversial actions, Hegseth's nomination seems increasingly untenable, prompting President-elect Trump to consider alternative candidates like Governor Ron DeSantis.