President Donald Trump said Friday that he would consider [1] appointing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to a cabinet position once the governor completes his term in office.
“I like him a lot,” Trump said when asked by a reporter whether he would consider DeSantis for a role in his administration.
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DeSantis, who challenged Trump in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, remains a prominent figure within the Republicn Party.
His national profile expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Florida maintained comparatively open policies while other states imposed stricter restrictions.
Since the 2024 election, DeSantis has worked more closely with the Trump administration, including collaboration on immigration policy.
He has also advanced a new Florida congressional map that could affect the balance of House seats in the 2026 midterm elections.
Trump’s remarks come as his administration has undergone changes in several cabinet positions.
Recent departures have included Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer.
Reports about DeSantis’s interest in a federal role have circulated in recent weeks.
An Axios report stated that DeSantis had privately sought a position within the administration and expressed interest in roles such as attorney general, secretary of defense, or a future appointment to the Supreme Court.
According to the report, Trump was quoted as saying, “Ron was begging me to be AG.”
Another source cited by the outlet said, “There was a conversation at that lunch. I don’t think AG is real. But he’s gonna be looking for work, and Trump likes him.”
A spokesperson for DeSantis disputed the report’s claims, calling them inaccurate.
“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 spokesperson said.
Florida law limits governors to two terms, and DeSantis is set to leave office in January 2027.
As his tenure approaches its end, questions have emerged about his next steps in public service.
Trump’s comments indicate that a potential role for DeSantis within the administration remains a possibility, though no specific position or timeline has been announced.