If the SecDef nomination hangs on the votes of some Rino Senators who are adamant that they want someone who will placate their future demands, Hegseth may not be their man, and they may have better luck with DeSantis for future negotiations. (Remember that some of the Rinos convinced DeSantis to throw his hat into the primary ring, drawing the hostility of President Trump.) The President will need the Rino Senators support to get the cabinet he needs to get the reforms completed before the 2026 mid-terms.