Peter Schorsch
President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering Gov. Ron DeSantis for Secretary of Defense to replace Trump’s embattled first pick for the job, Fox News host Pete Hegseth.
It’s a shiny offer, full of enticing professional perks and résumé builders. And it’s remarkable considering the feud between DeSantis and Trump that bubbled over in the early days of the GOP Presidential Primary and ultimately led to an embarrassing departure from the trail by DeSantis.
But a word of caution to DeSantis as he mulls his options: Don’t do it.
“No,” we understand, would be a difficult answer to get to for DeSantis, whose Washington ambitions are no secret. See exhibits A and B — DeSantis’ 2016 U.S. Senate bid and his presidential run this past cycle. But don’t forget, Governor, you have what is perhaps the best job outside of the White House, running a state with Republican supermajorities in both legislative chambers, a deepening red statewide electorate and a mandate for your final years in office.
You’re in charge of the Florida Army National Guard, even if that means shipping them off to Texas to play border patrol. You’re leading the charge on modern conservative education reforms that go beyond school choice and venture into an all-out war on the “wokeism” you so despise. The list goes on.
Consider working in the Pentagon, by contrast. Gone would be the “yes men” and women of the Florida Legislature who go along not just because you’re you, but because their politics genuinely align. Do you think the Joint Chiefs are going to be so accommodating of your whims? The answer is a resounding no.
It’s true that you would be in charge. And it’s also true that you would be able to serve as a “disruptor” at a time when the American military could use a good disrupting.
But, let’s be honest, how long would you last?
This isn’t a question meant to be a referendum on you, Governor. It’s just that, how long does anyone ever last in a Trump administration?
Let’s look just at the job for which you are being considered. Trump had two Defense Secretaries in his first presidency, Mark Esper and James Mattis. Mattis, Trump’s first pick, resigned a little less than halfway through the administration, so just shy of two years. Overall, Trump had a 92% turnover of his “A Team,” those who were his first hires. That means 92% of all the nominees confirmed to Trump’s first administration were eventually replaced, either because Trump fired them or because they resigned.
So maybe you last 18 months, which might be generous, but then you’ll be right back where you would have been anyway in 2026 — out of office with renewed presidential ambitions.
And perhaps you’re thinking, “but this will give me the big guy’s endorsement!” But does it?
You’d have to cut off JD Vance, which already seems unlikely. And even if you somehow managed to grab the inside lane, you’d still have to avoid getting cross-wired with Trump. Given his track record (I reiterate that 92% turnover rate), that seems next to impossible.
The bottom line is simple: When something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Governor, you have managed to turn Florida from a perennial swing state into a shining beacon for conservative ideologues. That million-voter registration advantage the state GOP now enjoys is largely attributable to your policies and leadership, particularly during the COVID pandemic that saw liberals flee and conservatives flock. You’ve created a national identity for yourself as a pioneer in a new, MAGA-adjacent conservative movement.
This cycle may not have been your time to forge that path to the White House, but you’re still young. It’s impossible to say whether a path will ever fully materialize for you to ascend to the world’s most powerful position, but it’s more likely than not the path does not run through Secretary of Defense.
So Governor, just don’t do it.
17 comments
Larry Gillis, Libertarian (Cape Coral)
December 4, 2024 at 11:19 am
He should appoint himself to the US Senate and be done with all this.
Larry Gillis, Libertarian (Cape Coral)
December 4, 2024 at 11:21 am
Wesley Powell, then-governor of New Hampshire, passed up the opportunity to appoint himself when Senator Styles Bridges died.
He regretted that choice for the rest of his life. His friends in seacoast NH never failed to remind him.
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Rick
December 4, 2024 at 12:55 pm
Florida, with its record-breaking hurricane destruction and sky-rocketing insurance premiums, and book banning (taking people’s right to read what they want away) sure is a shining example of conservatism. Congratulations!
Red Storm
December 4, 2024 at 8:31 pm
So tell us what is the fix to homeowners insurance? Two big storms just went through and claims will be in the billions. What is the solution and how do you get to lower rate? I’m all ears.
Hung Wiil
December 5, 2024 at 9:06 pm
What happened to My Take. Good grief.
At least you took my advice and ditched that stupid, ugly avatar.
TJC
December 4, 2024 at 1:41 pm
“reportedly considering” — that’s the key phrase here.
Remember when Trump was “reportedly considering” Mitt Romney for Secretary of State? Why, old Mitt really did the dance for Trump, really entertained him with his sudden praise for Trump and expressing his sincere desire to join Trump’s cabinet, etc.
Then Trump said, “Nah, you’re not the guy.”
It was Trump’s sweet revenge against a guy who had previously challenged his power. Sound like anyone else we know?
A Day Without MAGA Hating Your Mother
December 4, 2024 at 6:22 pm
Trump will be dementia protocol the first year if his Presidency
patkat
December 8, 2024 at 7:12 am
I get such a laugh out of all you here on this site. Clueless and attitudinal are quite a mix.
Ocean Joe
December 4, 2024 at 3:24 pm
If he wants to run for president again, he should (A) stick around and run for the senate seat after appointing a place holder, and (B) skip the Iowa primary next time.
The author is pointing out the obvious: Trump is a backstabber and a double crosser who treats others as cannon fodder no matter who they are. He takes pride in cheating others.
Desantis has a chip on his shoulder the size of Martha’s Vineyard from his childhood, but still, when compared to Trump, is a paragon of virtue. He’s far more qualified than the Fox news guy/strip club would be dancer but this may all be a stunt to get Lara that senate seat.
tom palmer
December 4, 2024 at 11:49 pm
While it would be nice to rid Florida of this thin-skinned pol, he would be probably over his head at the Pentagon and his tenure would not end well.
patkat
December 8, 2024 at 7:12 am
Amen.
tom palmer
December 4, 2024 at 11:51 pm
I would not be sad to see him go, but he would be over his head at the Pentagon and it would not end well.
Larry Gillis, Libertarian (Cape Coral)
December 5, 2024 at 12:06 pm
Contrary to popular belief, Trump graduated from the Khaddafi School of Management and is governed by its precepts.
(In other words, DeSantis would be crazy to work for him).
TallyPatriot
December 5, 2024 at 12:57 pm
Do it! Go! Get up outta here.
patkat
December 8, 2024 at 7:13 am
Florida is stuck with his attack on America First conservatives. For now. Wait till all the LittleMan worshipers get a clue! lol
Cindy
December 7, 2024 at 9:04 am
Make America great again…besides border problems that seem to pass through America at different intervals…
What is making America great again
Comments are closed.