December 4, 2024: Is Hegseth headed for the door?

POLITICO Playbook Daily Briefing

With Matt Gaetz gone, Pete Hegseth may be next on the chopping block. The Secretary of Defense nominee has to reckon with—and explain to Republican senators—the recent allegations of fund mismanagement, drinking on the job, and sexual promiscuity. President-elect Donald Trump is said to be eyeing an unlikely candidate for the role if his first choice doesn’t pan out: his longtime Republican rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Plus, Republicans on Capitol Hill are embroiled in internal debate over two policy bills, while Democrats in the House are dealing with their own internal conflict between Reps. Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Jerry Nadler of New York.