Trump names Fox News host Pete Hegseth as defence secretary pick

Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, has officially announced his selection of Pete Hegseth, a well-known host from Fox News, as his choice for the position of defence secretary. Hegseth, who is 44 years old, has a background as a military veteran, having served in both Afghanistan and Iraq. This appointment marks Hegseth's first venture into the political arena, and he will be tasked with overseeing the United States military, which is recognized as the most powerful military force in the world. Trump made this announcement on a Tuesday, praising Hegseth as 'tough, smart, and a true believer in America First. ' This news coincided with another significant announcement from Trump, revealing that billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk would take on a role focused on government cost-cutting. Following his victory in the recent presidential election, Trump is in the process of assembling his administration. Hegseth is among a series of security appointments, which also includes John Ratcliffe, who Trump has nominated to lead the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). If the US Senate confirms Hegseth for this role, he will step into the Pentagon with critical decisions to make regarding military assistance for Israel amid its ongoing conflict in Gaza, as well as support for Ukraine in light of Russia's invasion. Trump has expressed a desire for the United States to distance itself from foreign conflicts. During his campaign, he criticized the Biden administration's financial support for Ukraine. On the same day, Trump also indicated that he wanted South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to play a significant role as the homeland security secretary. Additionally, another military veteran, Michael Waltz, has been selected by Trump to serve as the national security adviser, meaning he will provide counsel to the president on foreign threats. Sources have indicated that Senator Marco Rubio, who shares Waltz's strong views on China, is expected to be nominated as Trump's future secretary of state, although this appointment has not yet been confirmed. The Republican Party has regained control of the Senate, the upper chamber of Congress, and is inching closer to a majority in the House of Representatives as vote counting continues. Some of the government appointments, including Hegseth's, require a vote of approval from senators, although Trump, who is also a Republican, has requested that the next leader of the Senate allow him to bypass this process. He has the authority to directly appoint individuals to other positions. Senate Republicans are scheduled to vote on a new leader on Wednesday, which is also the day Trump is expected to visit outgoing President Joe Biden at the White House for the traditional transfer of power. Who is Pete Hegseth? Hegseth was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is a graduate of prestigious Ivy League universities. In recent years, he has worked as a conservative commentator and resides in Tennessee with his wife and their seven children. He has hosted various programs on Fox News, using his platform to highlight issues related to the military and veterans. Reports indicate that he completed his tenure at Fox on Tuesday. US media has reported that he successfully lobbied Trump during his first presidency to pardon servicemen accused of war crimes. In his statement announcing Hegseth as his pick for defence secretary, Trump emphasized Hegseth's educational background at Princeton and Harvard universities, as well as his military experience in Afghanistan and Iraq. Trump stated, 'With Pete at the helm, America’s enemies are on notice - our military will be great again, and America will never back down. ' The president-elect also drew attention to Hegseth's work as a published author, mentioning his book The War on Warrior, which he claimed reveals the left's betrayal of military personnel and advocates for a return to meritocracy, lethality, accountability, and excellence within the military. What has he previously said about the military? Hegseth has been a vocal critic of what he refers to as 'woke' policies within the US military and its leadership. He stated on a podcast that 'the dumbest phrase on planet earth in the military is our diversity is our strength. ' One of his responsibilities as defence secretary could involve acting on Trump's campaign promises to remove US generals whom he accuses of promoting progressive policies within the military. Before his selection by Trump, Hegseth was asked on the same podcast about potential changes he would implement in the military. He mentioned that his first action would be to fire the US's top military officer, Gen Charles 'CQ' Brown Jr, asserting that individuals involved in diversity, equality, or inclusion policies should be dismissed. He stated, 'Either you're in for war fighting and that's it, that's the only litmus test we care about. ' Gen Brown is a former fighter pilot with command experience in the Pacific and Middle East, and he was appointed by President Biden last year. On the same podcast, Hegseth also suggested that whatever combat standards were in place in 1995 should be reinstated. What has the reaction been? Hegseth's appointment has received a warm welcome from several prominent Republican figures, but reactions have varied among others. North Carolina senator Thom Tillis described the choice as 'interesting,' while Senator Tommy Tuberville from Alabama stated that he would 'have to think' about his opinion on the appointment. Incoming national security advisor Waltz expressed confidence in Hegseth, stating that he 'has the grit' to bring about 'real reform' at the Pentagon. Representative Adam Smith, the leading Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, remarked that the position 'should not be an entry-level position. ' Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren took to social media to express her concerns, stating that Hegseth's appointment as defence secretary would 'make us less safe and must be rejected. ' She added, 'A Fox & Friends weekend co-host is not qualified to be the Secretary of Defense. ' Warren also highlighted her own experience, stating, 'I lead the Senate military personnel panel. All three of my brothers served in uniform. I respect every one of our servicemembers.