Trump may replace Pete Hegseth with Ron DeSantis for Pentagon role after mounting allegations

President-elect Donald Trump is reconsidering his nomination of Pete Hegseth as defense secretary, amid serious allegations of misconduct and financial mismanagement.
Sources indicate that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is being evaluated as a possible replacement, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Hegseth, a former Fox News host and Army veteran, has come under investigation following allegations of sexual misconduct, misappropriation of funds at veterans’ charities and misconduct during his tenure at Veterans for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America.
The revelations have raised significant doubts among Senate Republicans, whose support is essential for confirmation.
According to NBC News, at least six GOP senators have raised concerns about Hegseth’s suitability for the role, with some calling the allegations “disturbing.”
DeSantis, a former Navy judge advocate general corps officer and Trump’s 2024 primary rival, has emerged as a viable option amid the controversy.
According to The Wall Street Journal, DeSantis was previously in the shortlisted candidate lineup for the Pentagon role but lost out to Hegseth during the initial selection process.
On Capitol Hill, Hegseth is meeting with Senate Republicans to defend his nomination.
According to CBS News, he insisted that he would not withdraw, claiming that Trump encouraged him to “keep fighting.”
However, reports in The New Yorker detailed troubling allegations against Hegseth, including drunken incidents, inappropriate behavior at work events and disparaging remarks during veterans’ charity tours.
Trump and DeSantis were recently seen together at a memorial service for fallen police officers in Florida, fueling speculation about a possible nomination for governor.
According to Reuters, DeSantis has been floated the idea of ​​taking on the role of defense secretary, although his office has not commented on the matter.
DeSantis, who endorsed Trump after suspending his presidential campaign earlier this year, has been a vocal critic of “woke” policies at the Pentagon. During his campaign, he proposed cutting diversity initiatives, eliminating military programs focused on climate change, and reversing policies that allowed transgender service members to serve under their gender of choice.
According to Fox News, Hegseth’s mother, Penelope Hegseth, defended her son, acknowledging past struggles but insisting he was a changed man. Speaking directly to Trump, she pleaded, “My son is not the man he was seven years ago.”
With the confirmation process hanging in the balance, Trump’s team is reportedly weighing all options. According to the AP, DeSantis is a strong contender, but other replacements could be considered if Hegseth’s nomination collapses.