DeSantis Weighs Risk of Joining Trump’s Cabinet Amid Turmoil
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As President-elect Donald Trump weighs his options for key Cabinet positions, a new name has emerged as a possible pick for Secretary of Defense—Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The move has raised eyebrows and sparked a mix of intrigue and concern within both Trump’s inner circle and DeSantis’ loyalists, with some fearing it may be a political maneuver to undermine the governor rather than a genuine opportunity.
According to Politico, “Some DeSantis allies see the Defense Secretary job as being attractive to DeSantis, giving him the keys to run the world’s most powerful bureaucracy—and just as important, will keep him in the spotlight ahead of any potential future presidential run.” It seems like a win-win for DeSantis, who could gain national prominence while running one of the most critical agencies in the U.S. government.
But not everyone is sold on the idea. DeSantis, who initially opposed Trump during the 2024 GOP primaries but later aligned with him after his defeat, still seems to carry some political baggage from their rivalry. And for some, Trump’s interest in DeSantis feels more like a test than a real offer. “But some DeSantis allies also think that Trump could just be floating DeSantis’ name to see how senators back in Washington react,” the report adds, suggesting that Trump may be using the governor’s name to gauge political dynamics or pressure Hegseth’s confirmation prospects.
The tension is further fueled by concerns from DeSantis’ circle about the possible consequences of accepting such a high-profile role. “DeSantis and his team also had to decide whether to trust Trump knowing that he could join the administration and then get thrown out, perhaps even in a short amount of time,” Politico explained. After all, Trump’s past Cabinet appointments have often ended in turmoil, with several members quickly falling out of favor, so DeSantis could be putting his own political future at risk by accepting the role.
An anonymous Trump ally was even more candid, saying, “It could all be a Machiavellian move to kneecap him and leave him with nothing.” This statement suggests that Trump’s offer could be a clever, albeit risky, tactic to weaken DeSantis politically—perhaps by positioning him as a subordinate in a highly demanding role with limited upside.
While Trump has expressed admiration for DeSantis, the stakes are undeniably high. Some have pointed out that even if DeSantis accepts the position, there’s no guarantee it will end well for him—especially considering the volatility of Trump’s first term, where many Cabinet members were either dismissed or saw their political futures cut short. A position in Trump’s administration could boost DeSantis’ profile, but it could also be a precarious gamble that leaves him at the mercy of Trump’s unpredictable whims.
The reality is, DeSantis’ path forward is unclear. Should he accept the role and the risks associated with it, or should he hold out for a clearer shot at a future presidential run without tying himself too closely to Trump? With both men still positioned as key players within the GOP, their political rivalry—and occasional cooperation—will continue to captivate the party and its supporters.
For now, the question remains: Is Trump genuinely considering DeSantis for a top role, or is he setting him up for a political trap? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: DeSantis’ allies will be watching closely.
