President-elect Donald Trump is considering replacing his Defense Secretary pick, Pete Hegseth, due to wavering support from GOP senators. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is among those being considered for the role, alongside Senators Joni Ernst and Bill Hagerty, as well as Congressman Mike Waltz. Concerns have been raised about allegations involving Hegseth’s drinking and treatment of women, which he denies. DeSantis, a former Navy lieutenant commander who challenged Trump for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, supports the former president despite previous disagreements. Unlike other potential Cabinet picks who believe the 2020 election was stolen, DeSantis acknowledges Trump’s loss. Ernst, a former Army lieutenant colonel who served in the Iraq War, and Hagerty, who served as U.S. ambassador to Japan, both have military backgrounds. The decision on the Defense Secretary pick remains uncertain as Trump weighs his options. NBC News reporters Matt Dixon, Courtney Kube, and Rebecca Shabad provided insights on the situation. Vaughn Hillyard also contributed to the reporting.
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