With concerns mounting over his Senate confirmation, Trump’s team is considering alternative candidates, including Sen. Joni Ernst and Gov. Ron DeSantis, to lead the Pentagon

The nomination of Peter Hegseth for Secretary of Defence is encountering significant hurdles, as sources close to Donald Trump’s transition team reveal they are exploring alternative candidates. While the former Fox News host was initially seen as a strong pick to lead the Pentagon, his path to confirmation is now uncertain, prompting Trump’s allies to seek out potential replacements.

Hegseth, who is known for his staunch conservative views and strong ties to the right-wing media, has faced mounting opposition. His confirmation could be complicated by concerns among Senate Republicans about his suitability for the role, echoing the difficulties experienced by other Trump nominees in the past.

In response to these concerns, Trump’s transition team has begun compiling a list of possible replacements. The first name to emerge is Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa, a respected military veteran and a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Sources close to Trump suggest that Ernst, who has been in discussions with the president-elect at Mar-a-Lago, is seen as a highly viable alternative. Her strong ties to the Republican establishment and her military background make her an appealing option.

Ernst’s confirmation prospects are viewed as favourable, given her long-standing reputation in the Senate and her familiarity with the Pentagon’s inner workings. She is also perceived as more likely to gain the support of both moderate and conservative lawmakers, making her a more secure pick for a Cabinet position.

Another name that has come up in discussions is Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. DeSantis, a former Navy officer, was initially included in Trump’s list of potential candidates for Secretary of Defence. The Governor’s military experience and leadership in Florida have garnered praise from Republicans across the country, and many see him as a rising star in the party.

While DeSantis is considered a strong candidate, sources close to the transition team note that his focus on his gubernatorial duties could make him hesitant to take on a national role at this time. Nevertheless, the fact that his name has been raised as a potential replacement for Hegseth signals the importance of securing the best possible candidate for the Pentagon at a time of growing international tensions.

Other names that have been suggested include Senator Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, a former ambassador to Japan. Hagerty has long been considered a close ally of Trump, and his foreign policy experience could make him a strong contender for the role. However, it remains to be seen whether he will be able to navigate the complex political landscape of Washington, D.C., should his name be formally put forward.

The transition team’s decision to explore alternatives follows concerns that Hegseth could face a difficult confirmation process in the Senate. Some sources have drawn parallels between Hegseth’s situation and that of former Representative Matt Gaetz, who withdrew his name from consideration for Attorney General amid mounting Senate opposition. In both cases, questions about the nominees’ ability to secure Senate approval have prompted a reassessment of their viability.

Trump’s team is also grappling with other challenges as they move forward with Cabinet selections. Chad Chronister, the sheriff of Hillsborough County, Florida, withdrew his name from consideration for head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) just days after Trump announced him as his pick. Sources indicate that Chronister’s withdrawal was due to concerns over his ability to secure the necessary Senate votes, highlighting the political hurdles facing the transition team as it moves forward with the nomination process.

As the nomination battle continues, Trump’s allies remain focused on securing a defence secretary who can handle the challenges facing the United States in an increasingly unstable world. The ongoing tensions between the US and adversaries such as China and Russia, as well as the growing concerns over cybersecurity and military readiness, make the role of Secretary of Defence more crucial than ever.

Despite the setbacks, Trump remains committed to assembling a Cabinet that reflects his administration’s priorities, including a tough stance on national security. The decision on Hegseth’s nomination will likely have significant implications for the direction of US foreign policy, and whether Trump’s team can secure a suitable replacement will be critical in shaping the future of American defence strategy.