Trump considers replacing Hegseth with DeSantis to run Pentagon

WASHINGTON - US President-elect Donald Trump is considering dropping his nominee to lead the Pentagon, Mr Pete Hegseth, and nominating Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in his place, The Wall Street Journal reported on Dec 3, citing people familiar with the discussions.

Mr Hegseth’s nomination has run into trouble on Capitol Hill over

allegations about his personal and professional life,

and Trump allies increasingly think Mr Hegseth may not survive further scrutiny, the Journal reported.

A combat veteran and former Fox News host, Mr Hegseth would need the support of Senate Republicans to win confirmation to the post.

The Trump transition office and Mr DeSantis’ office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

So far, two Trump picks for senior positions have dropped out. Mr Chad Chronister on Dec 3 withdrew from consideration to run the Drug Enforcement Administration, weeks after former Representative Matt Gaetz dropped out of consideration for Attorney-General amid intense scrutiny about allegations of sex with an underage girl.

Mr DeSantis, who lost his bid for the Republican presidential nomination to Trump, was on an earlier list of potential defence secretary candidates, but Trump decided to go with Mr Hegseth, the Journal said.

Mr DeSantis served in the Navy’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps from 2004 to 2010.

The Journal said Trump could decide not to choose Mr DeSantis and select another replacement, if Mr Hegseth’s nomination falls apart. REUTERS