Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host and Army veteran, as his Secretary of Defense. The announcement signals a shift towards a more loyalist approach in Trump’s second administration, with Hegseth’s appointment surprising many within the defense establishment.
Who is Pete Hegseth?
Hegseth, an Army veteran, has served in both Afghanistan and Iraq and is known for his advocacy for veterans. In addition to his military background, Hegseth has been a prominent media personality, contributing to Fox News since 2014 and co-hosting “Fox & Friends Weekend” since 2017. His contract with Fox News ended on the day of the announcement.
He holds degrees from Princeton and Harvard and has been active in veterans' advocacy, previously serving as CEO of Concerned Veterans for America. Hegseth has also been a close adviser to Trump over the years, although he was not chosen for a position in Trump’s first term despite being considered.
Why Hegseth’s Appointment Is Surprising
Hegseth’s name did not emerge as a strong contender among Pentagon insiders, and his appointment came as a surprise. One defense official told CNN, “Everyone is simply shocked,” underscoring the unexpected nature of the choice. Many at the Pentagon only learned of the decision hours before the announcement, leaving officials unsure of what to expect.
A Loyalist Pick for Defense Secretary
Hegseth’s loyalty to Trump is seen as a major factor in the appointment. Trump has often expressed frustration with Pentagon officials, especially with former defense secretaries James Mattis and Mark Esper, both of whom publicly criticized Trump’s policies after leaving office. In contrast, Hegseth’s support for Trump’s views, particularly on military matters, aligns closely with the president-elect's “America First” vision.
Past Influence on Presidential Decisions
Hegseth has previously influenced Trump’s decisions, particularly regarding military pardons. In 2019, he reportedly encouraged Trump to pardon servicemen accused of war crimes, a move that overruled the advice of then-Defense Secretary Esper and other military leaders who argued it might undermine military justice.
Trump’s Vision for National Security
Trump has indicated that his new national security team, with Hegseth at the helm, will reassess U.S. policies toward major global players, including Russia, China, and Iran. He has also expressed regrets about some of his previous appointments and aims to prioritize loyalty in his administration, hinting at a possible overhaul within the Defense Department.
What This Means for the Pentagon
Hegseth’s appointment could bring a significant shift in the Pentagon’s operations. Trump has suggested he might use the Defense Department more aggressively, including potentially deploying active-duty forces for domestic law enforcement. Pentagon officials have reportedly been preparing for a possible restructuring of the department and changes to defense policy under Trump’s second term.
This surprising pick suggests Trump’s intent to take a more direct, loyalist-driven approach to defense and military affairs as he prepares for a second term in office.
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