President-elect Donald Trump has named Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host, author, and military veteran, as his choice for Secretary of Defense, placing the 44-year-old at the helm of the United States military. Hegseth, who served in both Afghanistan and Iraq, is set to take on his first political role if confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
Trump’s announcement on Tuesday highlights Hegseth’s qualifications, which include his military experience and conservative political commentary. Describing Hegseth as “tough, smart and a true believer in America First,” Trump expressed confidence in his ability to lead the Pentagon and make key decisions on critical military issues, such as U.S. support for Israel amid the Gaza conflict and continued assistance to Ukraine in its fight against Russia.
Hegseth’s nomination comes as part of a series of key security appointments, which also include John Ratcliffe, Trump’s pick to head the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Hegseth joins a growing list of military veterans and conservative figures chosen for prominent roles in the incoming administration, including South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, who is expected to serve as Homeland Security Secretary, and Michael Waltz, named National Security Adviser.
A Career in the Spotlight: Hegseth’s Background
Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Hegseth has had a diverse career, blending military service with political commentary. An Ivy League graduate of Princeton and Harvard, Hegseth served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army and was deployed to both Afghanistan and Iraq. After his military service, he transitioned to a role as a conservative commentator, most notably at Fox News, where he hosted programs that focused on military and veterans’ issues. He is also an author, having published The War on Warrior, a book in which he critiques the “leftwing betrayal” of U.S. military personnel and calls for a return to a merit-based, high-performance military.
Hegseth’s nomination reflects Trump’s ongoing effort to reshape U.S. foreign and defense policy, aligning with the president-elect’s promises to reduce U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts and recalibrate military spending.
Views on the Military and “Woke” Policies
Hegseth has been a vocal critic of what he perceives as “woke” policies within the U.S. military, particularly those related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. On a recent podcast, Hegseth condemned the phrase “our diversity is our strength,” calling it the “dumbest phrase on the planet” when applied to the military. He has suggested that the military should focus exclusively on “war fighting” and has publicly called for the removal of military leaders, including Gen. Charles “CQ” Brown Jr., the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who he accuses of pushing progressive policies.
During the podcast, Hegseth also voiced his belief that combat standards should return to what they were in 1995, which he argued was a simpler, more effective time for military readiness. These views have earned him both praise from conservative circles and criticism from others who believe his approach could undermine the professionalism and diversity of the U.S. military.
Reactions to the Appointment
The response to Hegseth’s nomination has been mixed. On one hand, Republican lawmakers such as Representative Adam Smith and Senator Thom Tillis have expressed cautious support, with some praising Hegseth’s experience and leadership qualities. Incoming National Security Adviser Michael Waltz called Hegseth’s pick a “real opportunity for reform” at the Pentagon.
On the other hand, Democratic leaders have raised concerns about Hegseth’s qualifications for such a high-profile role. Senator Elizabeth Warren, who leads the Senate military personnel panel, voiced strong opposition on X (formerly Twitter), saying Hegseth’s background as a Fox News host makes him “unqualified” to serve as Secretary of Defense and that his appointment would make the country “less safe.” Representative Adam Smith also criticized the pick, noting that the role of Secretary of Defense should be filled by someone with substantial experience in military and defense policy, rather than a political outsider.
What’s Next for Hegseth’s Nomination?
If confirmed by the Senate, Hegseth will face several pressing challenges, including decisions on military assistance for allies in conflict zones like Israel and Ukraine, as well as addressing Trump’s broader goal of reducing U.S. military involvement abroad. While some view Hegseth as a necessary force for change in the military, others worry that his controversial views on military leadership and “woke” policies could harm the cohesion and effectiveness of the U.S. armed forces.
The Senate confirmation process will provide a forum for further debate on his qualifications and policies, and Hegseth’s nomination is expected to be closely scrutinized by lawmakers and military experts alike. If confirmed, he will enter office with a mandate to implement significant reforms at the Pentagon and navigate the complex and evolving global security landscape.