Trump Nominates Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary in Unanticipated Move
In a surprising announcement on Tuesday, US President-elect Donald Trump named Fox News host and army veteran Pete Hegseth as his choice for secretary of defense. Hegseth, 44, is set to lead the Pentagon despite lacking senior military or national security experience, raising questions about his qualifications during a time of global crises involving Russia, the Middle East, and emerging alliances between adversarial nations.
Hegseth is known for his conservative commentary and strong support of Trump’s “America First” agenda. A co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend, he has been a vocal critic of what he describes as “woke” policies within the military, advocating for the removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. “Any general that was involved in any of the DEI woke stuff has got to go,” Hegseth stated in a recent interview.
Trump praised Hegseth’s military service and dedication to veterans, saying, “Pete is tough, smart, and a true believer in America First. With Pete at the helm, America’s enemies are on notice—our military will be great again, and America will never back down.”
Despite his service as an infantry officer in the Army National Guard with tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay, Hegseth’s appointment has elicited mixed reactions. Critics point to his lack of high-level defense experience and his controversial views on military policies. Mark Cancian, a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, commented, “He has an excellent background as a junior officer but does not have the senior national security experience that secretaries need.”
Adding to the controversy are Hegseth’s views on women serving in combat roles. He has questioned the effectiveness of integrating women into certain military positions, expressing concerns about lowered standards and combat readiness. Speaking about his book, The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free, Hegseth said in a recent podcast, “I’m straight up just saying, we should not have women in combat roles.” He elaborated, “It hasn’t made us more effective, hasn’t made us more lethal, has made fighting more complicated. We’ve all served with women, and they’re great. But our institutions don’t have to incentivize that in places where, over human history, men in those positions are more capable.”
Hegseth specified his concerns regarding “physical, labor-intensive type jobs,” such as roles within the Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, Army Special Forces, Marine Special Operations, and positions in infantry, armor, and artillery units. “I’m talking about something where strength is the differentiator,” he stated.
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Lawmakers from both parties have expressed surprise and concern. Rep. Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, remarked, “He does not seem to have much of a detailed background in DoD policy. So the lack of experience is concerning.” Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski responded with “wow” upon hearing the news, while Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) described the choice as “interesting.”
Hegseth has been an ardent supporter of Israel, which may influence US policy in the Middle East under Trump’s administration. He has hosted a series titled “Battle in the Holy Land: Israel at War,” covering the ongoing Gaza conflict sparked by Hamas’ attacks on October 7, 2023, and has interviewed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “I have come to really appreciate the Jewish heritage and the Jewish state. I understand how geopolitically we are linked and how critical it is that we stand by such a strong ally,” Hegseth said in a 2016 interview.
His hawkish stance on Iran aligns with Trump’s hard-line policies toward the Islamic Republic. Following the US killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in 2020, Hegseth referred to Iran as “an evil regime” and advocated for aggressive measures to prevent it from obtaining nuclear weapons. “We can’t kick the can down the road any longer in trying to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear bomb,” he asserted on Fox News.
Hegseth has also been involved in controversial cases involving US servicemen accused of war crimes. He lobbied Trump to pardon several military personnel convicted or accused of such crimes, arguing that they were victims of overzealous prosecution. His efforts were successful, as Trump issued pardons and reversals in these cases, despite opposition from senior military officials.
His book, The War on Warriors, critiques what he sees as the betrayal of military personnel by political and military leaders. The book became a New York Times bestseller and has been praised by Trump.
The nomination suggests that Trump is seeking loyalists who align closely with his views to fill key positions in his administration. During his first term, Trump had a tumultuous relationship with his defense secretaries, with both James Mattis and Mark Esper leaving their positions after significant disagreements. Trump’s selection of Hegseth may indicate a desire for a defense secretary who will fully embrace and implement his policies without pushback.
Pentagon officials and defense analysts have expressed concern over how Hegseth’s leadership might impact the military’s focus and operations. There is apprehension that his intent to purge what he considers “woke” elements could lead to significant changes in military personnel and priorities. “The next president of the United States needs to radically overhaul Pentagon senior leadership to make us ready to defend our nation and defeat our enemies. Lots of people need to be fired,” Hegseth wrote in his book.
Internationally, allies may be wary of how Hegseth’s appointment could affect US relations, particularly with NATO partners. He has criticized NATO allies as “self-righteous and impotent,” questioning why the US should honor defense arrangements with nations he perceives as not contributing adequately to their own defense.
With ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, Hegseth’s lack of diplomatic experience and his strong opinions could pose challenges in navigating complex international issues. His skepticism toward NATO and emphasis on unilateral action may impact US foreign policy and military engagements abroad.
As the Senate prepares for confirmation hearings, Hegseth’s nomination is expected to face rigorous examination. His lack of senior defense experience, controversial views, and the potential implications for US military policy and international relations will likely be central topics of discussion.
