Every Trump cabinet appointee would have been appointed and confirmed if DeSantis was in the White House. That includes a “weasel” like Esper. It ESPECIALLY includes weasels like Esper.
Ron DeSantis has been groomed for a political career. He’s an establishment Republican through and through, and has never held a job outside government. I don’t know what would make any rational person think he has any latitude for independence in a political leadership position.
I look at DeSantis’ record as governor, which has been damned good.