DeSantis interested in leading Pentagon if offered, sources say

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in January. 

Randall Hill/Reuters

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is interested in serving in Donald Trump’s administration as defense secretary if formally offered the job, two sources close to DeSantis told CNN.

DeSantis is one of a handful of individuals that have been floated to Trump as potential replacements for embattled nominee Pete Hegseth.

One of the sources told CNN that Trump and DeSantis have discussed the Florida governor potentially leading the Pentagon.

DeSantis served in the Navy as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer. As a candidate for president, DeSantis heavily leaned into his military experience.