President Donald Trump indicated on Friday that he would consider appointing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to a cabinet position after DeSantis completes his term-limited tenure as governor.

“I like him a lot,” Trump said when asked by a reporter whether he would consider DeSantis for a role in his administration.

DeSantis, who unsuccessfully challenged Trump during the 2024 Republican presidential primary, has remained a prominent figure within the Republican Party. He rose to national prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, as Florida received applause from the right for its comparatively open policies when many other states imposed stricter restrictions.

Since the 2024 election, DeSantis has worked more closely with the Trump administration, particularly on immigration policy. He has also recently pushed a new Florida congressional map that could help Republicans gain additional House seats in the 2026 midterm elections.

Trump’s comments come amid recent cabinet shakeups within his administration, including the departures of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer.

An Axios report last month claimed that DeSantis had privately “begged” Trump for a role in his administration, including interest in serving as attorney general. The report also said DeSantis had expressed interest in positions such as secretary of defense and potentially a future appointment to the Supreme Court.

“Ron was begging me to be AG,” Trump allegedly told an individual cited in the report. Another source told the outlet, “There was a conversation at that lunch. I don’t think AG is real. But he’s gonna be looking for work and Trump likes him.”

A DeSantis spokesperson, however, called these claims “fake rumors.”

“The governor looks forward to continuing to work with President Trump on enforcing immigration laws, restoring the Everglades, and helping to reform college athletics,” the spokesperson said.

DeSantis will be left looking for what’s next in his political career due to Florida’s gubernatorial term limits. He is set to leave office in January of 2027.