Trump Confidants Warn: DeSantis AG Risk Too High

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is actively lobbying President Trump for a federal appointment as his gubernatorial term expires, raising questions about whether former presidential rivals can truly trust each other when political survival is at stake.

Story Snapshot

DeSantis pitched Trump for multiple administration positions during April 12 lunch meeting at Trump’s Florida property
Trump told confidants DeSantis was “begging” for Attorney General role, though insiders doubt appointment will happen
Governor faces term limits in January 2027, leaving him without elected office for first time in years
Trump advisers express trust concerns about DeSantis as AG but indicate Defense Secretary or Supreme Court more feasible

Former Rivals Navigate Awkward Job Pitch

Ron DeSantis met with President Donald Trump on April 12, 2026, at Trump’s Doral Golf Club in Miami to discuss potential administration positions. Six insiders confirmed to Axios that DeSantis expressed interest in serving as Attorney General, Secretary of Defense, or on the Supreme Court. The meeting marked a significant shift from their contentious 2024 presidential primary battle to DeSantis actively seeking employment from his former opponent. Trump later shared details of the conversation with confidants, characterizing DeSantis’s approach as desperate for work opportunities before his gubernatorial term expires.

Trust Issues Cloud Attorney General Prospects

Trump administration insiders voiced skepticism about placing DeSantis at the Justice Department despite his apparent interest in the role. One Trump adviser stated there exists “an unacceptably high risk he might undermine the president,” emphasizing Trump’s need for complete loyalty at Justice. The Attorney General position opened after Trump fired Pam Bondi in March 2026, with Todd Blanche currently serving as acting AG. Multiple sources indicated DeSantis would face significant hurdles securing this appointment due to lingering questions about whether he would prioritize Trump’s agenda over his own political ambitions and future presidential aspirations.

Defense and Supreme Court Remain Possible Options

DeSantis previously approached Trump about becoming Secretary of Defense following the 2024 election, but Trump selected former Fox News commentator Pete Hegseth instead. Sources close to DeSantis characterized a Supreme Court appointment as his “dream job,” though no current vacancies exist on the high court. Trump advisers suggested the president views these positions more favorably for DeSantis than Attorney General, seeing less risk of internal conflict. The administration’s recent cabinet turnover, including the firing of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, demonstrates Trump’s willingness to make personnel changes when positions don’t meet expectations or loyalty standards.

Political Reality Forces Career Calculations

Florida’s constitutional term limits prevent DeSantis from seeking a third gubernatorial term when his current tenure ends in January 2027. This creates an unusual predicament for a politician who has held elected office continuously and positioned himself as a rising conservative star. DeSantis’s spokesman Alex Lanfranconi emphasized the governor’s “great relationship with President Trump” while dismissing media focus on “fake rumors,” redirecting attention to Florida’s partnership with the administration on immigration enforcement and Everglades restoration. The careful response avoided denying the job-seeking reports while attempting to maintain DeSantis’s stature as Trump’s equal rather than supplicant.

The situation reveals the uncomfortable reality facing many politicians who challenge establishment power only to find themselves seeking favor from the same structures they opposed. Both conservative and liberal voters increasingly recognize this pattern of ambitious officials prioritizing their careers over principles. Whether DeSantis secures a position or returns to private life, the episode demonstrates how Washington’s revolving door continues spinning, with former rivals becoming allies when political necessity demands it. The American people watch these machinations while wondering whether any elected officials truly serve constituents rather than their own advancement.