Nearly a year ago, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis faced a political winter after a bruising second-place finish to Donald Trump in the Iowa caucuses.
Now, Trump’s return to the White House is reshaping DeSantis’ prospects, offering him the chance to secure his legacy in Florida or even join Trump’s administration as Secretary of Defense, writes Politico.
As President-elect Trump navigates Senate opposition to his current Defense Secretary pick, Pete Hegseth, DeSantis has emerged as a potential alternative. The Florida governor, with his military background and alignment with Trump’s agenda—strengthening the military, eliminating “woke” policies, and bolstering border security—has been dubbed an “ideal fit” for the role by allies.
Should DeSantis accept the post, it would position him to oversee the world’s largest bureaucracy and maintain his national prominence ahead of a possible 2028 presidential bid. “This keeps DeSantis in the spotlight and cements his place as a top Republican leader,” said Robert Salvador, a prominent DeSantis donor.
Key Challenges and Political Risks
Despite the opportunity, some insiders warn of potential pitfalls. Trump has a history of leveraging Cabinet appointments to sideline rivals, leading some to speculate that the offer could be a strategic move to “kneecap” DeSantis.
Moreover, DeSantis’ allies caution that joining Trump’s administration could leave him vulnerable to the whims of the famously unpredictable president. “It’s a risk,” said a DeSantis confidant, “He could gain political longevity—or find himself out of favor like others in Trump’s first Cabinet.”
Decisions at Home: Shaping Florida’s Future
Back in Florida, DeSantis is juggling significant appointments that could shape his legacy. With Senator Marco Rubio set to join Trump’s Cabinet, DeSantis will pick his replacement—potentially elevating allies like Attorney General Ashley Moody or Lt. Gov. Jeanette Núñez. He’s also set to appoint a new Chief Financial Officer to replace Jimmy Patronis, who is expected to fill a congressional seat.
If DeSantis opts for the Defense Secretary role, he would leave these critical decisions—and Florida’s governorship—in the hands of Núñez.
A Calculated Gamble for 2028
DeSantis’ next move could determine his political trajectory. Accepting the Defense Secretary role keeps him in Trump’s orbit and in the national conversation, but it comes with risks of losing control over Florida’s appointments and being at Trump’s mercy. Staying in Florida, however, allows him to cement his legacy and prepare for a potential White House bid in 2028.
“It’s a damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don’t situation,” said one GOP strategist. “But for DeSantis, every choice is a step toward securing his political future.”
