Donald Trump, who won the US presidential election, is considering the possibility of nominating Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as a possible replacement for Pete Hegseth, who was previously nominated to head the Pentagon, the Wall Street Journal claims, citing sources.
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Trump previously proposed giving the post of Secretary of Defense to TV host and former military man Pete Hegseth. This decision caused shock in Washington. According to an unnamed defense industry lobbyist, the industry had hoped that the new Pentagon chief would be someone with truly extensive defense experience.
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“Donald Trump is considering Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as a possible replacement for Pete Hegseth, whom he has chosen to head the Pentagon,” the publication said, citing knowledgeable sources.
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At the same time, the newspaper’s sources note that Trump may also choose someone other than Desantis. As noted, the next 48 hours will be critical.
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CNN claims that some Republicans are considering the possibility of nominating Senator Joni Ernst, who represents Iowa in the US Congress, to head the Pentagon. Other Trump allies, according to the channel’s sources, are proposing Senator Bill Hagerty as US Secretary of Defense.
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Previously, the Washington Post, citing documents in its possession, reported that in 2017, Hegseth’s then-colleague accused him of rape after drinking alcoholic beverages at a bar. Hegseth’s lawyers said their client is innocent and the contact was consensual. The newspaper claims that in 2020, Hegseth paid a former colleague compensation to remain silent so as not to raise a scandal and not lose his job at Fox News.
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Trump allies increasingly believe Hegseth may not withstand further investigation, according to Wall Street Journal sources.
