The President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, has chosen Fox News host and military veteran Pete Hegseth to be his defense secretary. Hegseth, known for his pro-Israel and Iran hawkish views, has been praised by Trump as “tough, smart, and a true believer in America First”. However, his lack of experience on the global stage has drawn criticism from Democrats, with Representative Adam Smith pointing out that the role of Secretary of Defense should not be an entry-level position.
Hegseth, 44, served in Afghanistan and Iraq before joining Fox News as a contributor in 2014. He co-hosts Fox and Friends Weekend and is a host for Fox Nation. He has authored several books, including The War on Warriors, which Trump has endorsed. Hegseth has defended service members accused of war crimes and advocated for their pardons.
Despite his military background, Hegseth’s appointment as defense secretary raises concerns about his lack of senior military or national security experience. If confirmed, he would face the challenge of overseeing a budget exceeding $800bn and managing conflicts around the world. His stance on issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict, Iran, NATO, Russia, and China could potentially impact his ability to lead the Pentagon effectively.
Hegseth’s conservative views and opposition to “woke” programs could also lead to significant changes within the military. His appointment has been met with both support and skepticism, with Trump touting him as a strong leader while others question his readiness for the role. Only time will tell how Hegseth’s tenure as defense secretary will unfold and what impact it will have on US military policies and operations.