President-elect Donald Trump is expected to be joined by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis at the annual Army-Navy football game next weekend, which comes amid speculation that the incoming 47th president may consider DeSantis for Secretary of Defense if his current nominee, Pete Hegseth, fails to secure Senate confirmation. Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin posted on X: “Florida Governor @RonDeSantis will attend the Army-Navy football game with President Elect @realDonaldTrump next Saturday, per source familiar with DeSantis’ schedule.”
NEW: Florida Governor @RonDeSantis will attend the Army-Navy football game with President Elect @realDonaldTrump next Saturday, per source familiar with DeSantis’ schedule.
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) December 6, 2024
The 125th Army-Navy game is set for Saturday, December 14, in Landover, Maryland. According to The New York Times, Trump has been discussing the possibility of replacing Secretary of Defense nominee Hegseth with Florida DeSantis. These conversations come as Hegseth continues to face intense scrutiny over allegations of sexual misconduct and other controversies, all of which he denies.
Trump, however, maintains that he is committed to Hegseth. On Friday he posted a message of support for Hegseth on Truth Social, writing: “Pete Hegseth is doing very well. His support is strong and deep, much more so than the Fake News would have you believe. He was a great student – Princeton/Harvard educated – with a Military state of mind. He will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense, one who leads with charisma and skill. Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!”
Meanwhile, in an X statement, Vice President-elect JD Vance posted a screenshot of Trump’s statement, adding: “Led by President Trump, we’re fighting for Pete Hegseth. And we’re doing so because Pete Hegseth wil fight for our troops. For too long, the Pentagon has been led by people who lose wars. Pete Hegseth is a man who fought in those wars. We’ve got his back.”
Led by President Trump, we’re fighting for Pete Hegseth. And we’re doing so because Pete Hegseth wil fight for our troops.
For too long, the Pentagon has been led by people who lose wars. Pete Hegseth is a man who fought in those wars.
We’ve got his back. pic.twitter.com/6n57SSQQ5X
— JD Vance (@JDVance) December 6, 2024
Vance also said on Friday that the incoming administration is committed to sending Hegseth’s nomination to the Senate and forcing the issue in the legislature. “Pete Hegseth is going to get his hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, not a sham hearing before the American media,” Vance said. “We’re not abandoning this nomination.”