President-elect Donald Trump is officially reconsidering his election of Pete Hegseth as Defence Secretary, amid severe allegations of wrongdoing and economic mismanagement.
According to The Wall Street Journal, sources say Florida governor Ron DeSantis is being considered as a possible successor.
Hegseth, a previous Fox News host and former of the Army, has come under scrutiny as a result of allegations of sexual misconduct, mishandling resources at soldiers ‘ organizations, and inappropriate behavior while working for Veterans for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America.
These discoveries have raised considerable misgivings among Senate Republicans, whose support is essential for verification.
As per NBC News, at least six GOP lawmakers have expressed fears about Hegseth’s eligibility for the position, with some describing the complaints as “disturbing”.
DeSantis, who is a former Navy Judge Advocate General Corps official and Trump’s 2024 major foe, has emerged as a viable option amid the discussion.
According to The Wall Street Journal, DeSantis was one of the candidates chosen for the Pentagon position in the past, but Hegseth came in second place in the first choice process.
Hegseth has been meeting with Senate Republicans on Capitol Hill to ensure his candidacy.
According to CBS News, he insisted that he would not retreat, claiming Trump encouraged him to “keep fighting”.
However, studies from The New Yorker detailed troubling claims against Hegseth, including incidents of drunkenness, improper conduct at function events, and insulting remarks during veterans ‘ charity tours.
Trump and DeSantis were just photographed together at a Florida memorial service for fallen officers soldiers, which has fueled rumors about the governor’s potential candidacy.
DeSantis has been approached by Reuters about taking over the post of defense minister, despite his office having never made any comments on the subject.
DeSantis, who endorsed Trump after suspending his presidential campaign earlier this year, has been a vociferous critic of “woke” laws in the Pentagon. He proposed reversing policies that allow trans service members to assist under their desired gender, ending military programs on climate change, and reducing diversity initiatives during his campaign.
According to Fox news, Hegseth’s family, Penelope Hegseth, defended her brother, acknowledging earlier struggles but asserting that he was a changed person. Speaking directly to Trump, she pleaded,” My child is not the person he was seven years ago”.
With the verification procedure hanging in the balance, Trump’s team is reportedly weighing all possibilities. According to AP, DeSantis remains a strong candidate, but another replacements may also be considered if Hegseth’s election falls.
