President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Pete Hegseth, an Afghanistan war veteran, to be secretary of defense. Hegseth, who also served in Iraq and Guantánamo Bay, is a Fox News host and staunch supporter of Trump’s “America First” policies.
Trump praised Hegseth as “tough, smart, and a true believer in America First,” adding that under his leadership, the U.S. military would become great again, sending a strong message to America’s enemies.
Hegseth, 44, has supported Trump’s policies through Fox News and has extensive military experience. However, he lacks high-level national security or Pentagon management experience, which may draw scrutiny during Senate confirmation.
Previously, Hegseth led the conservative group Concerned Veterans for America and ran unsuccessfully for a U.S. Senate seat in 2012. He is known for defending U.S. service members accused of war crimes, pushing for pardons from Trump.
If confirmed, Hegseth’s lack of senior government experience could raise concerns, but his military support and advocacy for veterans will likely resonate with Trump’s base.
