Trump team considers alternatives to replace Hegseth as defense secretary pick

() –– In recent days, Donald Trump’s allies involved in the transition process have been compiling a list of alternative candidates to serve as defense secretary as Pete Hegseth’s confirmation path appears destined to implode, according to multiple sources familiar with the discussions.

Among the names under consideration to replace Hegseth, if that were to happen, is Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, who is seen as willing to accept the job and, more importantly, confirm it, according to sources. Ernst recently spent several days at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, where he discussed Trump’s other Cabinet picks as well as plans related to the “Department of Government Efficiency,” according to his social media posts.

Two additional sources said Florida Governor and Trump’s former presidential rival Ron DeSantis’ name had been mentioned.

DeSantis’ name was on the initial list of candidates for defense secretary presented to Trump, according to a person familiar.

Other Trump allies are considering Tennessee Sen. Bill Hagerty for the role, according to a fourth source familiar with the matter. Those close to Trump have been waiting for a long time to place the senator in a good administration position.

has reached out to representatives for Ernst, DeSantis and Hagerty.

People involved in Trump’s transition planning for the Pentagon began considering other options after the first allegations about Hegseth emerged, driven in large part by concerns that he could face a “math problem” similar to that of Matt Gaetz.

Members of the Trump transition were blindsided both by the 2017 sexual assault allegations and after the police report surfaced. Trump’s incoming chief of staff, Susie Wiles, had asked Hegseth to reveal details of the allegations after they became public, as well as any other potential surprises; However, multiple sources said Hegseth had not been completely transparent. As a deluge of media reports emerged about Hegseth’s alleged past transgressions, the patience of many in Trump’s orbit wore thin.

The transition team is well aware that several Republican senators are concerned about allegations Hegseth has faced, including one of sexual assault that Hegseth has denied and claims of misconduct when Hegseth ran veterans advocacy organizations. Some involved in transition planning are concerned that accusations against Hegseth will continue to pile up and could lead him to withdraw his name.

Some Trump advisers believe that choosing a senator to fill the post would reduce controversial nomination fights and allow the president-elect’s team to focus on the confirmation process for key law enforcement and intelligence roles, including Kash Patel for director of the FBI and Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence.

A source close to both Trump and Hegseth rejected the notion that anyone else was being seriously considered for the role, or that there was any kind of official list of replacement candidates.

Top Senate Republicans recently said they believe Hegseth must undergo an FBI background check and a confirmation hearing before they are ready to vote in favor, comments that coincided with the transition’s announcement that he signed a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Justice that would unblock the government’s verification process.

The fact that the allegations against Hegseth revolve around sexual assault and women serving in military combat roles, two issues where Republicans have led reform, only added to anxieties that her appointment may be doomed.