The U.S. defense and political communities were taken aback by President-elect Donald Trump's decision to nominate Pete Hegseth, a well-known Fox News host, as Secretary of Defense. Hegseth, a 44-year-old military veteran lacking high-level Pentagon experience, marks a significant media figure's entry into a crucial cabinet role for Trump's second term. This choice has sparked a mix of reactions, with many raising concerns over Hegseth's limited background in global defense policy.
"Pete is tough, smart, and a true believer in the 'America First' principle. With Pete in charge, America's adversaries should take heed: our military will be great again, and America will never back down," Trump declared, highlighting Hegseth's personality and loyalty in his announcement.
Military Experience and Media Career
Hegseth, a former soldier with service in Afghanistan and Iraq, has maintained a close relationship with Trump over several years, acting as an informal advisor on defense matters. Although considered for several positions during Trump's first term, he was not appointed to any. His combat experience is seen by some as beneficial, while others point out his limited expertise in defense policy formulation and implementation.
Since 2014, Hegseth has been a contributor to Fox News, becoming a co-host of "Fox & Friends Weekend" in 2017. Fox News expressed gratitude for his contributions, stating, "His insights and analysis, particularly on military matters, deeply resonated with our viewers and contributed to the show's success." The network wished him well in Washington, expressing pride in his work with Fox News Media.
Hegseth boasts impressive academic credentials, having studied at Princeton and Harvard. He also served as CEO of Concerned Veterans for America, an advocacy group for veterans' rights. In 2017, he published a book titled "In the Arena," where he outlined his views on politics and defense.
Reactions from the Pentagon and Defense Community
Hegseth's nomination caught many at the Pentagon off guard, as he was not previously mentioned among likely candidates. "Everyone is simply stunned," a senior defense official told CNN. Another noted that they had only learned of the possibility hours before the announcement, leaving many unsure of how to respond.
During his first term, Trump had a tense relationship with Pentagon leadership, and Hegseth's selection is seen as an attempt to install a Defense Department leader who aligns with Trump's vision and unwavering loyalty. Trump had public disputes with his prior Defense Secretaries.
General James Mattis resigned in 2018, protesting Trump's decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria without a clear strategy. Mark Esper, Trump's second confirmed Defense Secretary, was dismissed in 2020 and has since voiced concerns about Trump's leadership on national security.
Some Congressional Republicans have expressed reservations about Hegseth's nomination. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina called the choice "interesting," while Senator Todd Young of Indiana, a former Marine, admitted knowing little about Hegseth's vision but remained open to learning more about his background. North Dakota Senator John Hoeven openly supported the nomination, describing Hegseth as "exceptionally capable and a great communicator."
House Speaker Mike Johnson also endorsed the candidate, stating that Hegseth would bring "a reformist mindset to areas in need."
Controversies and Conservative Stances
Throughout his media career, Hegseth has been known for his support of conservative policies and opposition to what he and Trump label "progressive ideas" in the military. He has criticized equity and inclusion programs in the armed forces and questioned the role of women in combat, arguing that gender diversity could complicate combat situations and lead to higher casualties.
On "The Shawn Ryan Show" podcast, Hegseth remarked, "Complication in combat means casualties are worse," adding that diversity in the military is beneficial only when "minority men and whites can perform similarly," which he claims does not apply to women.
Hegseth has also publicly advocated for pardoning military personnel accused of war crimes. In 2019, he encouraged Trump to pardon service members accused of questionable actions on the battlefield, a decision Trump enacted, even restoring the rank of Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher. This move was highly controversial, drawing criticism from Pentagon leaders and senior officials who warned that presidential pardons could undermine the military justice system's integrity.
If confirmed by the Senate, Hegseth will face numerous challenges. The Department of Defense operates with a budget exceeding $800 billion and comprises approximately 1.3 million active-duty soldiers, along with the National Guard, reserves, and civilian personnel worldwide. His responsibilities will include managing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, addressing the growing Russia-North Korea alliance, and navigating the intensifying competition with China. Modernizing the U.S. missile defense and nuclear apparatus will also be a top priority on the defense agenda.
Representative Adam Smith, the highest-ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, voiced concerns: "There's reason to worry that this person may not be serious enough about policy formulation or implementation to do the job successfully."