Overview
- Multiple outlets on Tuesday cited Axios reporting that Trump told confidants Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was “begging” for a job in the administration, including attorney general.
- Six sources briefed on the talks told Axios DeSantis showed interest in serving as defense secretary or even receiving a future Supreme Court nomination, while advisers downplayed the attorney general option.
- The two discussed DeSantis’ future at a lunch at Trump National Doral in Miami on April 12, according to Axios and subsequent coverage that detailed the conversation.
- Recent personnel churn set the stage for the speculation as Kristi Noem and Pam Bondi exited their posts and Trump installed longtime lawyer Todd Blanche as acting attorney general, with one adviser saying he has 90 days to prove himself and pursue a Florida-based “Grand Conspiracy” case.
- A DeSantis spokesperson said the governor has a strong relationship with the president and will keep working with him on policy in Florida, even as some Trump advisers voiced distrust about putting DeSantis in charge of Justice.