Trump Considering Replacing Hegseth With DeSantis: Report
President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering replacing former Fox News host Pete Hegseth as his defense secretary pick with a former political rival, according to a report published Wednesday.
Citing unnamed sources described as “close” to Trump, The New York Times revealed that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) is being considered as a potential alternative if the pressure to derail Hegseth’s nomination becomes overwhelming.
However, Hegseth remains defiant. During a media tour on Wednesday, he shared a conversation he had with Trump. “I got your back. It’s a fight. They’re coming after you,” Trump reportedly told him.
The Times noted that Trump is drawn to the idea of nominating DeSantis, stating it would be a “big story” if he helped revive DeSantis’s political fortunes after defeating him. Trump has also praised DeSantis’s leadership in Florida and pointed out that DeSantis is “a Navy guy.”
The report also mentioned Michael Waltz, a Florida congressman and Trump’s pick for national security adviser, as another potential option, noting his likely smooth path to Senate confirmation. Despite this, insiders suggest DeSantis remains Trump’s preferred alternative if Hegseth’s nomination falters.
Hegseth, meanwhile, has publicly rejected the allegations against him, ranging from claims of sexual misconduct to accusations of alcohol abuse and financial mismanagement. In an interview with SiriusXM podcaster Megyn Kelly, Hegseth dismissed the accusations as politically motivated. “It is the classic art of the smear,” he said. “Take whatever tiny kernels of truth — and there are tiny, tiny ones in there — and blow them up into a masquerade of a narrative about somebody that I am definitely not.”
He assured Kelly that, if confirmed, he would abstain from drinking alcohol entirely while serving as defense secretary.
In a Wall Street Journal op-ed, Hegseth reiterated his stance, calling for “an honest confirmation hearing” and rejecting what he described as a “show trial in the press.”
Hegseth also brushed off suggestions that he might withdraw his name, telling reporters in Congress earlier this week, “Why would I back down? I’ve always been a fighter.”
One of the primary allegations stems from a 2017 encounter with a married woman at a conservative event, which Hegseth insists was consensual. He denied being intoxicated and noted that a police report cleared him of wrongdoing. However, Hegseth quietly settled the matter financially, which his attorney, Tim Palatore, likened to “extortion.”
A recent NBC News report introduced new allegations, citing anonymous sources from Fox News who claimed Hegseth appeared intoxicated on the set of “Fox & Friends Weekend.” The claims were swiftly refuted by Hegseth’s former colleagues and collaborators.
“Bullshit. 100 percent bullshit. Actually…horseshit,” said Will Cain, a co-host on Fox & Friends Weekend, in a post on X.
“I was not contacted by anyone at @NBCNews. And no one had closer proximity on a continuous basis. Well…maybe @RCamposDuffy since she sat between us!” Cain added in another post.
Rachel Campos-Duffy, another co-host, also defended Hegseth. “Worth repeating, @NBCNews used ‘anonymous’ sources & unconfirmed stories to smear @PeteHegseth as a drunk on the job & never once asked his FOX & Friends coworkers who sit right next to him???” Campos-Duffy wrote on X, calling the report “malicious.”
Other Fox News figures rallied behind Hegseth. Lisa Marie Boothe described the allegations as “disgusting and false smears,” while Clay Travis called them “ridiculous bullshit.” Frequent guest Charlie Kirk added, “This story is garbage,” praising Hegseth’s professionalism and preparation.
Despite the mounting controversies, Hegseth continues to hold firm, portraying himself as a resilient figure under attack for his alliance with Trump. Whether he ultimately secures the nomination or Trump pivots to a less contentious candidate remains to be seen.