President Donald Trump has said he is open to bringing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis into his administration after the governor leaves office in January 2027, while making clear that Pete Hegseth remains his choice to lead the Pentagon.

Trump said he liked DeSantis and could envisage him serving in some capacity, but stressed that any future appointment would not displace Hegseth.

"I like Ron, but Pete's doing a great job," Trump said, adding that he got along well with the Florida governor and could see "something happening" for him elsewhere in the administration.

The remarks offer no indication that a specific position has been selected, nor that DeSantis has accepted or formally sought one.

They do, however, extend a public rapprochement between Trump and the governor, whose 2024 Republican presidential primary contest was marked by sharp personal and political conflict before DeSantis suspended his campaign and endorsed Trump.

DeSantis is barred by Florida's constitution from seeking a third consecutive term as governor.

His current term ends in January 2027, leaving him free to pursue another elected office, a national political campaign or a federal appointment.

The governor has been mentioned in connection with a range of possible future roles, including a Cabinet position, but the president's latest comments were deliberately non-specific.

Trump has previously spoken favourably of DeSantis while declining to commit to a formal post.

Hegseth's position has attracted renewed attention amid reports of internal strain over military operations and munitions supplies.

Trump has rejected suggestions that he intends to replace the defence secretary, describing him as effective and reaffirming his confidence in his leadership.

For now, the concrete outcome is that Hegseth remains at the Pentagon, while DeSantis has been publicly left in contention for a role after his Florida governorship concludes.