United States President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host and military veteran, as his defense secretary. Trump praised Hegseth as "tough, smart, and a true believer in America First" in his social media announcement.
Hegseth, known for his pro-Israel stance and hardline views on Iran, has been critical of the two-state solution, dismissing it as mere “lip service.” His nomination has drawn criticism from Democrats, who question his lack of senior national security experience.
Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, emphasized the need for extensive qualifications for this role, stating, “The job of Secretary of Defense should not be an entry-level position.”
Who is Pete Hegseth?
Hegseth, 44, served in Afghanistan and Iraq before joining Fox News as a contributor in 2014, eventually becoming a co-host of *Fox and Friends Weekend* and a host on Fox Nation. He is also a published author, and his book *The War on Warriors* has garnered praise from Trump for criticizing what Hegseth describes as the “leftwing betrayal” of the military.
In 2019, Hegseth successfully lobbied Trump to pardon US service members accused of war crimes. He also unsuccessfully ran for the US Senate in 2012 and holds a master's degree in public policy from Harvard's Kennedy School.
Military Experience and Views
Hegseth served as an infantry captain in the Army National Guard, receiving two Bronze Star Medals. Formerly, he led the Koch-backed Concerned Veterans for America. If confirmed, he would oversee a Defense Department with a budget over $800 billion, addressing global challenges such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Russia-Ukraine war, and tensions with China and North Korea.
Smith acknowledges Hegseth's combat experience but argues that leading the Pentagon demands broader expertise, saying, “What's your plan? How can you assure us that lack of experience won't affect your performance?”
Foreign Policy Stances
Hegseth's conservative views shape his stance on foreign policy, especially regarding Israel and Iran. He recently covered the Israel-Gaza war, emphasizing support for Israel. He has also expressed hawkish views on Iran, calling it an “evil regime” after the 2020 killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. As an evangelical Christian, he sees the Israel-Palestine conflict through a biblical lens, calling Israel “the story of God's chosen people.”
He has voiced skepticism of NATO allies, describing them as “outdated and outgunned,” and has been critical of European nations' defense contributions. Regarding China, Hegseth sees a serious military threat, saying, “They have a full spectrum long-term view of not just regional but global dominance.”
Domestic Military Reforms
Hegseth has criticized "woke" programs in the military, which he believes detract from traditional values and combat readiness. Trump has echoed this sentiment, promising to eliminate such initiatives if he wins. Hegseth's conservative approach could put him at odds with senior military leaders, including General CQ Brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Reception
While Republicans support Hegseth's nomination, praising his reform-minded approach, critics, including Adam Smith, question his political experience. Mark Cancian of the Center for Strategic and International Studies noted that Hegseth's lack of senior national security experience could complicate Senate confirmation. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed optimism, saying Hegseth "brings a lot to the table" and will focus on necessary reforms.
Trump's statement on Hegseth reflects confidence in his dedication to the “America First” agenda, stating, “With Pete at the helm, America's enemies are on notice – Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down.”
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