Pete Hegseth is the latest Trump Administration nominee to take the spotlight as rumors have begun circulating that he will not reach the confirmation stage. Despite the former Army National Guard and political commentator stating that he is ready for the challenge, his aspirations could be cut short due to past controversies. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) has emerged as a likely candidate for Secretary of Defense, and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly (D) has now suggested he could vote to confirm the governor.
When Hegseth was announced as President Donald Trump's (R) choice to lead the Department of Defense (DOD), Republicans and Democrats alike were left scratching their heads. Shortly after, prior controversies began to emerge, and Hegseth's confirmation has been under question as many believe he will ultimately drop out as Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz (R) did.
Governor DeSantis, who endorsed President Trump after he dropped out of the presidential race, has now become a rumored candidate for the role should Hegseth's nomination be withdrawn. Though the governor has only entered the conversation in rumor, Democrats appear much more open to the Florida governor serving in the role over Hegseth.
Senator Kelly was asked to share his thoughts about Governor DeSantis, and the Democrat senator expressed that Governor DeSantis would have his support in the confirmation stage.
Fetterman on whether he could support DeSantis if he gets DOD nod: "I said I’m considering voting yes on DeSantis if he finally admits that he has lifts in his boots."
Mark Kelly says DeSantis has "on paper" the "requisite kind of experience he would want" in secdef pic.twitter.com/pTFojtOklP
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) December 4, 2024
"He's a governor in one of our biggest states. He's served in congress. He's served in the military, so I think he has what you would look at as the requisite kind of experience you would want in a Secretary of Defense," Senator Kelly told reporters this week.
However, Republicans have not given up on Hegseth. On social media, GOP lawmakers have shared their support, believing that Hegseth has the necessary votes to be confirmed as Defense Secretary. Hegseth instead has dismissed the claims against him as part of a "smear campaign."
