DeSantis’ political prospects expand as Trump teases with offer of Defense Secretary position
The governor is under consideration to head the Department of Defense, which could serve as a significant opportunity for him to maintain visibility as he eyes a possible presidential run in 2028.
TroibNews 
TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Nearly a year ago, it seemed that Ron DeSantis' political ambitions lay buried in the Iowa snow, following a disappointing second-place finish behind Donald Trump in the state's pivotal caucuses.
However, Trump’s return to the White House is breathing new life into DeSantis' prospects, presenting him with the chance to solidify his legacy in Florida or even to assume a high-profile role in Trump’s administration, potentially as Defense Secretary. This latter opportunity could position him for a future presidential run in 2028, a possibility that close associates of the governor have frequently mentioned.
Trump's prior appointments for his administration may open the door for DeSantis to leave a significant imprint on Florida by selecting a successor to Marco Rubio, who is soon to vacate his Senate seat. The stakes may be even higher; Trump is reportedly considering DeSantis for the Defense Secretary position should his current nominee, Pete Hegseth, face challenges in securing Senate confirmation due to unfolding allegations.
PMG spoke to 16 Republican lobbyists, elected officials, and political consultants, many granting anonymity to speak candidly about the potential shift. Many allies of DeSantis view the Defense Secretary role as a prime opportunity that would grant him control over the world's most powerful bureaucracy while keeping him in the public eye as he prepares for any future campaign.
“It’s a win-win situation,” stated DeSantis donor Robert Salvador. “DeSantis is very aligned with Trump and his policies around rebuilding the military, removing woke from the military, and securing the border.”
Nevertheless, some insiders close to both DeSantis and Trump see potential complications ahead. Just when it appeared likely that DeSantis would be elevated to a prominent role, news regarding the governor surfaced on Tuesday night.
When inquired about the speculation, Brian Hughes, a spokesperson for the Trump transition team and a seasoned Florida political operative, opted not to provide specifics, simply stating, “We have a nominee” for Defense Secretary.
Although DeSantis has remained silent publicly since the news broke, many within his circle are enthusiastic about the prospect. Salvador described DeSantis as an “ideal fit” for the Defense Secretary role, highlighting his past actions, such as deploying the Florida state guard to the border and organizing evacuations of Americans from Israel following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.
“It’s going to be important for DeSantis to stay in the news cycle after he's no longer the governor in January of 2027,” Salvador remarked, adding that this opportunity would keep him in Trump’s inner circle “and, in my opinion, would keep DeSantis as a top three candidate and a top three Republican leader for years to come.”
One veteran GOP operative in Florida noted that DeSantis is already in a “lame-duck phase” of his governorship — he will be term-limited in 2026 — and that taking on the Defense Secretary role “makes him more of a player.”
This move could also serve as a strategic exit for the combative governor, who has consistently expressed no interest in the Senate position that Rubio is expected to vacate to join Trump’s administration as Secretary of State.
“What do you do to keep yourself relevant if you’re not going to appoint yourself to the U.S. Senate? This would be the thing,” a DeSantis ally observed. “Our military angered the right and others. Who better to clean up that other than a guy who has been cleaning that stuff up and comes from a military background?”
DeSantis would approach the confirmation process already vetted by the media and other Republican opponents from his presidential campaign. He has laid out his priorities for the Pentagon, which include removing diversity initiatives, banning transgender service members, and reinstating military personnel who refused the Covid vaccine.
Nevertheless, some allies of DeSantis speculate that Trump might merely be floating his name to gauge senators' reactions in Washington. This approach could help the president-elect assess if he needs a new nominee due to concerns surrounding Hegseth’s confirmation.
During a recent event at Notre Dame, DeSantis suggested he was not lobbying for any position, asserting that he could “make the biggest difference” as Florida's governor.
In the coming months, DeSantis will face significant decisions. Trump has already selected several Florida politicians for roles in his administration or Congress, compelling DeSantis to set special election dates and make appointments. He’s currently interviewing candidates to succeed Rubio and has stated he will wait until January to decide.
Depending on whom he chooses—figures like state Attorney General Ashley Moody or Lt. Gov. Jeanette Núñez are among those considered—DeSantis could position himself to influence state government significantly. He will also need to appoint a new chief financial officer for Florida, as the current CFO, Jimmy Patronis, is expected to head to Washington following Trump's endorsement in a special election to fill former Rep. Matt Gaetz's seat. PMG previously reported that eight sources close to the governor believe he intends to install state Sen. Blaise Ingoglia in that role, enhancing his chances for the 2026 gubernatorial election against Trump-backed state Sen. Joe Gruters, a long-time rival who has already declared his candidacy.
There’s a broad consensus that the loyalty of some politicians leans more toward DeSantis while others are aligned with Trump. The nominees DeSantis selects could potentially shape Florida’s future, and the governor seems committed to preserving his legacy. However, even if he leaves for a role in Washington, this could also influence his legacy: should he resign to take over the Defense Department, Núñez—a close ally—would assume the governorship ahead of the anticipated 2026 contest, which both Gaetz and Rep. Byron Donalds have shown interest in.
Political insiders remain skeptical about DeSantis being considered for Trump’s administration, highlighting Trump's propensity to dismiss staff publicly and to undermine former rivals by suggesting they join his administration. They recall how Trump abruptly excluded former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley from joining his administration and the way he previously met with Sen. Mitt Romney without integrating him into the 2016 administration. Additionally, DeSantis has historically had strained relations with Susie Wiles, Trump’s incoming White House chief of staff, who he urged Trump to sideline years ago. Wiles has since successfully managed Trump’s 2024 campaign, including overseeing the strategy that led to DeSantis’ defeat in the primary. Some Trump allies express discomfort with the idea of DeSantis joining the administration, pointing to their past interactions.
One Florida GOP operative expressed that DeSantis is “damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t” regarding the Defense Secretary position. Another warned that declining Trump’s offer could tarnish DeSantis’ image.
Max Goodman, a GOP consultant from southwestern Florida, noted the potential conflict DeSantis faces in moving “from one of the most successful states in the nation” to a Cabinet position.
“This is Trump’s Republican Party and DeSantis is not naive to that,” he remarked. “To the extent he wants to play the game and build up his future, he has tough decisions on his hands — should he get the offer.”
One ally close to DeSantis' inner circle remarked that the governor’s team must also weigh whether they can trust Trump, aware that involvement in his administration could lead to a swift exit. This ally described the scenario as a risk for DeSantis, who might achieve political longevity yet remain vulnerable to losing Trump’s favor as have members of the Cabinet in the past.
Another source, affiliated with Trump, expressed skepticism about envisioning DeSantis in a subordinate role, suggesting the governor should exercise caution before taking such a step.
“It could all be a Machiavellian move to kneecap him and leave him with nothing,” the person suggested, noting the implications of DeSantis accepting a role under Trump while also having to relinquish control over appointing a new senator and the chief financial officer.
“There is no way he accepts secretary of Defense,” this individual concluded, “and then tells Trump to fly a kite on these other roles.”
Gary Fineout reported from Tallahassee. Kimberly Leonard reported from Miami.
Alejandro Jose Martinez contributed to this report for TROIB News
However, Trump’s return to the White House is breathing new life into DeSantis' prospects, presenting him with the chance to solidify his legacy in Florida or even to assume a high-profile role in Trump’s administration, potentially as Defense Secretary. This latter opportunity could position him for a future presidential run in 2028, a possibility that close associates of the governor have frequently mentioned.
Trump's prior appointments for his administration may open the door for DeSantis to leave a significant imprint on Florida by selecting a successor to Marco Rubio, who is soon to vacate his Senate seat. The stakes may be even higher; Trump is reportedly considering DeSantis for the Defense Secretary position should his current nominee, Pete Hegseth, face challenges in securing Senate confirmation due to unfolding allegations.
PMG spoke to 16 Republican lobbyists, elected officials, and political consultants, many granting anonymity to speak candidly about the potential shift. Many allies of DeSantis view the Defense Secretary role as a prime opportunity that would grant him control over the world's most powerful bureaucracy while keeping him in the public eye as he prepares for any future campaign.
“It’s a win-win situation,” stated DeSantis donor Robert Salvador. “DeSantis is very aligned with Trump and his policies around rebuilding the military, removing woke from the military, and securing the border.”
Nevertheless, some insiders close to both DeSantis and Trump see potential complications ahead. Just when it appeared likely that DeSantis would be elevated to a prominent role, news regarding the governor surfaced on Tuesday night.
When inquired about the speculation, Brian Hughes, a spokesperson for the Trump transition team and a seasoned Florida political operative, opted not to provide specifics, simply stating, “We have a nominee” for Defense Secretary.
Although DeSantis has remained silent publicly since the news broke, many within his circle are enthusiastic about the prospect. Salvador described DeSantis as an “ideal fit” for the Defense Secretary role, highlighting his past actions, such as deploying the Florida state guard to the border and organizing evacuations of Americans from Israel following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.
“It’s going to be important for DeSantis to stay in the news cycle after he's no longer the governor in January of 2027,” Salvador remarked, adding that this opportunity would keep him in Trump’s inner circle “and, in my opinion, would keep DeSantis as a top three candidate and a top three Republican leader for years to come.”
One veteran GOP operative in Florida noted that DeSantis is already in a “lame-duck phase” of his governorship — he will be term-limited in 2026 — and that taking on the Defense Secretary role “makes him more of a player.”
This move could also serve as a strategic exit for the combative governor, who has consistently expressed no interest in the Senate position that Rubio is expected to vacate to join Trump’s administration as Secretary of State.
“What do you do to keep yourself relevant if you’re not going to appoint yourself to the U.S. Senate? This would be the thing,” a DeSantis ally observed. “Our military angered the right and others. Who better to clean up that other than a guy who has been cleaning that stuff up and comes from a military background?”
DeSantis would approach the confirmation process already vetted by the media and other Republican opponents from his presidential campaign. He has laid out his priorities for the Pentagon, which include removing diversity initiatives, banning transgender service members, and reinstating military personnel who refused the Covid vaccine.
Nevertheless, some allies of DeSantis speculate that Trump might merely be floating his name to gauge senators' reactions in Washington. This approach could help the president-elect assess if he needs a new nominee due to concerns surrounding Hegseth’s confirmation.
During a recent event at Notre Dame, DeSantis suggested he was not lobbying for any position, asserting that he could “make the biggest difference” as Florida's governor.
In the coming months, DeSantis will face significant decisions. Trump has already selected several Florida politicians for roles in his administration or Congress, compelling DeSantis to set special election dates and make appointments. He’s currently interviewing candidates to succeed Rubio and has stated he will wait until January to decide.
Depending on whom he chooses—figures like state Attorney General Ashley Moody or Lt. Gov. Jeanette Núñez are among those considered—DeSantis could position himself to influence state government significantly. He will also need to appoint a new chief financial officer for Florida, as the current CFO, Jimmy Patronis, is expected to head to Washington following Trump's endorsement in a special election to fill former Rep. Matt Gaetz's seat. PMG previously reported that eight sources close to the governor believe he intends to install state Sen. Blaise Ingoglia in that role, enhancing his chances for the 2026 gubernatorial election against Trump-backed state Sen. Joe Gruters, a long-time rival who has already declared his candidacy.
There’s a broad consensus that the loyalty of some politicians leans more toward DeSantis while others are aligned with Trump. The nominees DeSantis selects could potentially shape Florida’s future, and the governor seems committed to preserving his legacy. However, even if he leaves for a role in Washington, this could also influence his legacy: should he resign to take over the Defense Department, Núñez—a close ally—would assume the governorship ahead of the anticipated 2026 contest, which both Gaetz and Rep. Byron Donalds have shown interest in.
Political insiders remain skeptical about DeSantis being considered for Trump’s administration, highlighting Trump's propensity to dismiss staff publicly and to undermine former rivals by suggesting they join his administration. They recall how Trump abruptly excluded former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley from joining his administration and the way he previously met with Sen. Mitt Romney without integrating him into the 2016 administration. Additionally, DeSantis has historically had strained relations with Susie Wiles, Trump’s incoming White House chief of staff, who he urged Trump to sideline years ago. Wiles has since successfully managed Trump’s 2024 campaign, including overseeing the strategy that led to DeSantis’ defeat in the primary. Some Trump allies express discomfort with the idea of DeSantis joining the administration, pointing to their past interactions.
One Florida GOP operative expressed that DeSantis is “damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t” regarding the Defense Secretary position. Another warned that declining Trump’s offer could tarnish DeSantis’ image.
Max Goodman, a GOP consultant from southwestern Florida, noted the potential conflict DeSantis faces in moving “from one of the most successful states in the nation” to a Cabinet position.
“This is Trump’s Republican Party and DeSantis is not naive to that,” he remarked. “To the extent he wants to play the game and build up his future, he has tough decisions on his hands — should he get the offer.”
One ally close to DeSantis' inner circle remarked that the governor’s team must also weigh whether they can trust Trump, aware that involvement in his administration could lead to a swift exit. This ally described the scenario as a risk for DeSantis, who might achieve political longevity yet remain vulnerable to losing Trump’s favor as have members of the Cabinet in the past.
Another source, affiliated with Trump, expressed skepticism about envisioning DeSantis in a subordinate role, suggesting the governor should exercise caution before taking such a step.
“It could all be a Machiavellian move to kneecap him and leave him with nothing,” the person suggested, noting the implications of DeSantis accepting a role under Trump while also having to relinquish control over appointing a new senator and the chief financial officer.
“There is no way he accepts secretary of Defense,” this individual concluded, “and then tells Trump to fly a kite on these other roles.”
Gary Fineout reported from Tallahassee. Kimberly Leonard reported from Miami.
Alejandro Jose Martinez contributed to this report for TROIB News
