President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering whether to replace Army veteran and Fox News host Pete Hegseth as his nominee for Secretary of Defense amid allegations of sexual misconduct and alcohol abuse. First reported by the Wall Street Journal, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Trump’s one-time campaign trail rival, is in the running to replace Hegseth in the president’s cabinet…but Hegseth has no plans of withdrawing from consideration.
Since being nominated, Hegseth has faced a flurry of years-old allegations, including a 2017 sexual assault for which Hegseth was never charged, raising concerns about his confirmation. At least six Republican senators are said to be opposed to his confirmation, but none have commented on this publicly.
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Trump’s transition team is said to be exploring other candidates, with DeSantis emerging as a leading contender, despite his previous disinterest in the position. However, Hegseth still appears to have Trump’s backing for the position at this time, stating on Wednesday that Trump has told him to “keep going, keep fighting, find your own way.”
“Why would I back down?” Hegseth asked reporters. “I’ve always been a fighter. I’m here for the warfighters. This is personal and passionate for me.”
The next Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth: “I spoke to the President-elect this morning. He said keep going, keep fighting…
Why would I back down? I’ve always been a fighter. I’m here for the warfighters. This is personal & passionate for me.” 🔥
pic.twitter.com/LJFXkTBq1q— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) December 4, 2024
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Nevertheless, CBS News and CNN have reportedly confirmed with independent sources that there is indeed an internal consideration of alternative candidates for the defense secretary position. Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Bill Hagerty (R-TN) were also being considered in addition to DeSantis.
The situation is reminiscent of Matt Gaetz’s failed nomination as Attorney General due to similar controversies.
Hegseth is undertaking a PR campaign, including appearances on Fox News, to salvage his nomination, while DeSantis remains a potential replacement. Earlier this week, the governor attended a law enforcement memorial service in Palm Beach alongside the president-elect, suggesting ongoing communication between them.
The developments highlight the ongoing challenges Trump faces in securing Senate confirmations for his cabinet picks.
Connor Walcott is the lead writer for Valuetainment.com. Follow Connor on X and look for him on VT’s “The Unusual Suspects.”
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