Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., told reporters Thursday that he has no interest in vacating his role for any job opportunity that might arise in Washington, D.C.
Earlier in the day, DeSantis, a former presidential candidate appointed Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody to take the post held by current Sen. Marco Rubio, who is set to be confirmed as secretary of state. DeSantis was asked about the possibly of taking the place of current Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth if Hegseth if not confirmed.
"I never asked for anything and I'm not in a position where I'm being offered anything. So we'll keep the fight going," DeSantis said when asked if he would be "happier in a national role."
"What I've said is: How can you be the most impactful? Is there another governor in the country that has been more impactful over the last six years?" he said to a round of applause.
DeSantis and President-elect Trump have sought to put aside their rivalry, which reached personal levels during the 2024 presidential primary when Trump said the governor had "no personality" and was a "RHINO globalist."
This week, DeSantis called for special state legislative session to focus on implementing Trump's immigration agenda with Trump praising DeSantis' and hoped that "other governors will follow."
"We've delivered big results," DeSantis said. "Ultimately, the question is: Are you making a big impact for the people that you represent? I'm not saying Florida governor is the maximum impact you could possibly have in elected office, but it's pretty darn close."
DeSantis also brushed aside "people speculating" that he would "appoint himself to the United States Senate," saying "anyone who spent five minutes with" him "would realize the answer is no."
James Morley III ✉
James Morley III is a writer with more than two decades of experience in entertainment, travel, technology, and science and nature.
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