SIGNAL FAILURE

6 People Who Could Be Trump’s Next Defense Secretary

It sure seems like it might be time for another round of Cabinet job musical chairs.

Look, I got out of the Donald-Trump-is-definitely-going-to-do-this-or-that game a while back. Because, well, the guy does a whole lot of things any normal politician wouldn’t even think of doing. Like nominating Pete Hegseth to run the Department of Defense. But I will tell you that knowing Trump, and how quickly he loses patience with anyone getting bad press, Hegseth is on very thin ice amid the latest round of leaks slamming his leadership at the Pentagon. So who could be next in line? There’s Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton, who has the resume; he spent 5 years in the Army, serving in Iraq and Afghanistan—and also went to Harvard Law School. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also has a military background, and Trump reportedly reached out to him when it looked like Hegseth might not make it to a confirmation vote earlier this year. Iowa Senator Joni Ernst, another veteran and a leading voice in Congreess on the issue of sexual assault in the military, did Trump a major solid when she came out in support of Hegseth’s nomination. Maybe the ever-transactional Trump decides to return the favor? Click through to see the full list of candidates I think could be in with a chance.

Want more ball and strike calling—no matter what uniform the batter at the plate is wearing? Check out Chris Cillizza’s Substack and YouTube channel.