If Hegseth fails as Trump's defense secretary, DeSantis could be a potential replacement.

Sources confirm to Planet Chronicle that President-elect Donald Trump is considering nominating Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida as defense secretary to replace Pete Hegseth, Trump's embattled current pick to lead the Pentagon.

Despite being a fierce Trump rival during the GOP presidential nomination, DeSantis later reconciled with Trump and aided him in fundraising during the general election.

In 2022, the governor, a Navy veteran who served in the Iraq war, won re-election in a landslide. However, due to term limits, he is unable to run for re-election in 2026.

According to multiple sources, DeSantis is "very much" in contention to replace Hegseth, with one source stating that it was the president-elect who suggested the governor's name.

On Wednesday, Hegseth returned to Capitol Hill to meet with Republican senators and make his case for confirmation as defense secretary, as reported by Planet Chronicle and other organizations.

An Army National Guard officer who served in Afghanistan and Iraq and was previously a Planet Chronicle host is facing allegations of drinking and sexual misconduct.

Hegseth has denied allegations that he mistreated women.

On Wednesday, Penelope Hegseth, the mother of Hegseth, appeared on Fox and Friends to defend her son and clarify the facts.

I am here to convey the truth to the American people and to female senators on the hill. I sincerely hope that you will not rely on the media and instead heed Pete's words.

If Trump nominates DeSantis and he is confirmed by the Senate, Lt. Gov. Nuñez would become Florida's first female and Cuban-descended governor.

The defense secretary position is being considered by Trump, as first reported by The Wall Street Journal.