Trump’s Surprise Pick for Secretary of Defense: Fox News Host Pete Hegseth Draws Mixed Reactions

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host and former Army National Guard captain, as his choice for Secretary of Defense, a decision that has left Washington and the defense world taken aback. Known as a staunch conservative and regular co-host on “Fox & Friends Weekend,” Hegseth lacks high-level defense experience, raising concerns over his ability to oversee the Pentagon and its $800 billion budget.

While some lawmakers commend Hegseth’s military service and his conservative stance against “woke” programs, others question whether he has the expertise to handle complex global defense issues. Trump’s choice bypassed several established figures in national security, including Rep. Mike Rogers, Sen. Joni Ernst, and retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, a decision that has fueled debate within both parties.

Hegseth, 44, has been outspoken on various military and social issues, opposing gender equity initiatives within the armed forces and advocating for a more “lethal” military. In his interviews and recent public statements, he has argued that allowing women in combat could compromise mission effectiveness, views that have drawn criticism from defense experts and lawmakers alike.

In a June rally in Las Vegas, Trump highlighted Hegseth’s book, The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free, and promised to eliminate “woke” policies within the military “within 24 hours” of taking office. This endorsement of Hegseth aligns with Trump’s “America First” agenda, with Trump praising Hegseth as “a true believer” in this policy direction.

Despite the support from some Republican lawmakers, others are cautious. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina called the choice “interesting,” while Sen. Todd Young of Indiana admitted to not knowing much about Hegseth’s strategic vision. Rep. Adam Smith, the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, expressed concern about Hegseth’s lack of policy-making experience, questioning whether he would be able to manage the complexities of the role.

Mark Cancian, a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, suggested that Trump may have chosen Hegseth for his loyalty and willingness to align with the administration’s goals, contrasting with previous secretaries who had clashed with Trump over defense policies. This loyalty, however, raises questions about how much autonomy Hegseth would have in the role and whether he would act independently as Defense Secretary or merely in line with Trump’s directives.

Should he secure Senate confirmation, Hegseth will face a wide array of pressing global issues: ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, rising tensions with China, and the strategic alliance between Russia and North Korea. He will also need to address technological upgrades, including the U.S. missile and nuclear defense systems, and ensure the defense industry can keep pace with U.S. needs.

With Hegseth’s nomination heading to the Senate, the confirmation process will likely probe his views on diversity in the military, his plans for tackling the Pentagon’s expansive responsibilities, and his readiness to manage the vast military apparatus. The defense community remains watchful, awaiting clarification on Hegseth’s vision and his potential impact on U.S. military policy.