Late Tuesday, the Wall Street Journal broke the news that the Republican governor is in the mix after Senate Republicans have expressed concerns about the former Fox News host, particularly about his alleged treatment of women, including a 2017 sexual assault allegation. As replacement rumors swirl, Hegseth wrote on X early, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that he will not back down and will continue meeting with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
"I'm doing this for the warfighters, not the warmongers," he posted early Wednesday morning. "The Left is afraid of disrupters and change agents. They are afraid of @realDonaldTrump — and me. So they smear w/ fake anonymous sources & BS stories. They don't truth. Our warriors never back down, & neither will I."
While Hegseth may not be ending his bid to lead the Pentagon, DeSantis is reportedly receptive to the idea of filling the post. The Trump foe turned ally who made a brief bid against Trump for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, worked as a Navy judge advocate general officer at the Guantánamo Bay detention camp and later deployed to Iraq.
In 2023, former Guatánamo detainee Mansoor Adayfi claimed that DeSantis witnessed and laughed at the forced feeding of detainees on hunger strike while stationed there as a young lawyer. DeSantis has repeatedly denied Adayfi's allegations of torture, calling them "totally BS."As part of my one-on-one interview with @RonDeSantisFL airing this Sunday on @CBSMiami's Facing South Florida, I spoke to him about his time as a JAG officer in Gitmo.
— Jim DeFede (@DeFede) August 17, 2018
(FYI @mahoneysthename and @haltman from @TB_Times ) pic.twitter.com/5Z4eqE9qFJ
As Trump mulls the possibility of DeSantis as Hegseth's replacement, the internet, of course, contributed its two cents about the 46-year-old potentially helming the U.S. Department of Defense.
Social media users are evidently excited to see DeSantis whip out his infamous white rubber boots — perhaps with a military twist — if he gets the job.
"Do they make high heel military boots?" one commenter quipped on the platform formerly known as Twitter.
Do they make High Heel military boots?
— Dexter Wright (@Dexter__Wright) December 4, 2024
Another said he hopes DeSantis gets the gig so he leaves the Sunshine State. "Please," the person wrote. "I beg of you, Donald. Get DeSantis out of this state."Oh we will be so feared, and so fierce, girl. pic.twitter.com/bZ00wRbbCi
— dre (@MotownDR) December 4, 2024
Luke Russert, an author and host of MSNBC Live, likes the idea of Celebrity Apprentice returning for its 15th season.Please. I beg of you Donald. Get DeSantis out of this state. https://t.co/11jWMhmcIS
— Florida Data Geek ✝️🇺🇦 (@MappingFL) December 4, 2024
"I'll give Trump credit for this — if he puts DeSantis in the cabinet along with Rubio and Vance at VP, he's creating Celebrity Apprentice inside the WH for the 2028 #GOP nominee," Russert wrote. "He's the host and executive producer."
Film producer Jeremy Newberger said DeSantis could finally wage his war on Disney.I’ll give Trump credit for this—if he puts DeSantis in the cabinet along with Rubio and Vance at VP, he’s creating Celebrity Apprentice inside the WH for the 2028 #GOP nominee. He’s the host and executive producer. https://t.co/wCye7hqNh4
— Luke Russert (@LukeRussert) December 4, 2024
"As secretary of Defense, Ron DeSantis would finally be able to attack all the countries he hates — at Epcot," he added.
U.S. Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania promised to consider confirming DeSantis for the role on one condition.As secretary of Defense Ron DeSantis would finally be able to attack all the countries he hates…at Epcot.
— Mr. Newberger (@jeremynewberger) December 4, 2024
"I'll consider a YES on him if he finally admits to his boots with 4" lifts," he posted.
I’ll consider a YES on him if he finally admits to his boots with 4” lifts. pic.twitter.com/h8sqFGXzyU
— U.S. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) December 4, 2024
