Trump may choose DeSantis over Hegseth to lead Pentagon: Reports
Washington, Dec 4 (UNI) US President-elect Donald Trump may choose Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as his secretary of defense, replacing the previously nominated Pete Hegseth, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported, citing people familiar with the discussions.
Hegseth's appointment has reportedly caused shock in the US, with a defense industry lobbyist telling Politico that the sector had expected someone with extensive defense experience to be nominated to lead the Pentagon.
However, DeSantis is not the only frontrunner for the position, people told the newspaper, adding that the next 48 hours will be crucial in the matter.
Earlier this week, The Washington Post, citing documents it obtained, reported that Hegseth's then-colleague accused him of rape in 2017. His lawyers said the allegations were false and that the encounter was consensual. The newspaper said that in 2020, the now-nominated defense secretary paid the alleged victim to keep the story quiet and keep his job as a Fox News host.
The people also told the WSJ that Trump's allies fear that Hegseth may not fare well in further investigations into the incident.
