President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering selecting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to potentially replace FOX News host Pete Hegseth as his secretary of defense pick, three sources familiar with the situation confirmed to CBS News Tuesday (December 4) night.
Hegseth reportedly met with Senate Republicans in Washington this week in an effort to build support prior to his confirmation hearings as he's already faced negative press for reported past allegations of sexual misconduct and financial mismanagement at veterans' charities, as well as multiple incidents of intoxication and infidelity. At least four Republican senators were reportedly considering withholding support for Hegseth if the confirmation hearing was held today, two sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to CBS News.
"Some of these articles are very disturbing. He obviously has a chance to defend himself here, but some of this stuff is, it's going to be difficult," Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) told reporters on Tuesday.
Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) also confirmed that he was aware of the allegations against Hegseth, claiming he'd need to address them during the hearing.
"I want to know if they are true and I want to hear his side of the story and he is going to have to address them," Kennedy said Tuesday, noting that he wasn't sure if the nomination would face strong opposition.
DeSantis was a long ally of Trump prior to his own unsuccessful bid for the Republican presidential nomination earlier this year, with resulted in hostile comments made by both candidates. The Florida governor quickly endorsed Trump after ending his campaign and spoke at the Republican National Convention on his behalf, while donors and advisers to both have been urging that a relaxation of strained relations is best for the Republican Party.