President Donald Trump indicated Friday that he could consider appointing Ron DeSantis to a cabinet position following the term-limited Florida governor’s departure from office next year.
DeSantis and Trump have not always aligned, particularly after the governor challenged Trump for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. However, since Trump assumed office in his second term, DeSantis has closely followed the president’s agenda, with a focus on immigration enforcement and redistricting reforms.
In remarks made to reporters outside the White House before heading to his Florida estate, Trump stated: “Well, I like him a lot.” He added that the comment was not prompted by anyone asking about it.
The president has recently reshuffled his cabinet, removing Attorney General Pam Bondi, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer. Permanent replacements for Bondi and Chavez-DeRemer have yet to be nominated.
Former Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma was confirmed as the new Homeland Security Secretary on March 23.
According to multiple sources, Trump has told trusted associates that DeSantis is “begging” for a role in his administration, including as attorney general.
DeSantis has also expressed interest in serving as secretary of war and potentially joining the Supreme Court.
With DeSantis’s term ending in January, he is reportedly seeking next steps, with one source indicating Trump is inclined to assist the governor in his transition.
The potential appointment was discussed after a lunch meeting between Trump and DeSantis at Trump National Doral Golf Club in Miami early last month.
In that conversation, Trump told a confidant: “Ron was begging me to be AG.”
Another source described the discussion as one where DeSantis is “looking for work” and Trump’s approval.
