Ron DeSantis is actively seeking a role in the Trump administration as his second term as Florida governor winds down, with the president telling associates that the former rival has pressed him for positions ranging from attorney general to secretary of defense to a Supreme Court seat, according to multiple people briefed on their discussions.
The conversations intensified after DeSantis and Trump lunched at Trump National Doral Golf Club in Miami last week. Trump characterized the pitch to one confidant by saying "Ron was begging me to be AG," though sources close to the matter dispute whether the attorney general position represents DeSantis' genuine preference.
DeSantis must vacate the governor's office when his second term concludes in January, leaving him to chart his next move. Trump, who has warmed to his erstwhile 2024 primary opponent, appears open to helping. One source said Trump "is inclined to consider helping out his understudy-turned-rival-turned-friend."
The former Florida governor has expressed serious interest in two roles in particular, according to sources familiar with the talks. A Defense Department post holds significant appeal, partly because Trump had initially considered DeSantis for that job during the transition before ultimately selecting Pete Hegseth. A Supreme Court appointment stands as DeSantis' "dream job," one source said, partly due to his close relationship with Justice Clarence Thomas.
People close to Trump suggested the attorney general slot is unlikely despite the overtures. "There's a way-too-high chance he would try to f*ck the president over," one Trump adviser bluntly stated. The hesitation reflects Trump's need for absolute loyalty at the Justice Department, where acting attorney general Todd Blanche is now tasked with handling sensitive matters, including indictments of the president's political opponents.
The Defense Department and Supreme Court remain more viable options. "Trump needs someone at Justice he absolutely trusts. But the Defense Department or Supreme Court or something else? Sure," one adviser said.
DeSantis first broached the subject with Trump after the November election, sources told Axios. At that time, Trump was considering him for the Defense Department role but ultimately moved forward with Hegseth. Trump has signaled he would revisit a Defense Department appointment if Hegseth were to depart.
A DeSantis spokesperson declined to address the job discussions directly. "The governor enjoys a great relationship with President Trump," said Alex Lanfranconi. "Some in the media prefer to focus on fake rumors rather than the many accomplishments of Florida's partnership with the Trump administration. The governor looks forward to continuing to work with President Trump on enforcing immigration laws, restoring the Everglades, and helping to reform college athletics."
The détente between Trump and DeSantis stands in contrast to their contentious 2024 primary fight. Trump's orbit includes numerous DeSantis critics, yet the president has apparently moved past the campaign friction. "Bygones are bygones," one Trump adviser said, though others cautioned that past tensions linger beneath the surface. "But that doesn't mean people forget."
Author James Rodriguez: "The Supreme Court card is DeSantis' real gambit here, and Trump knows it. Whether either man actually pulls the trigger is another question entirely."
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