Trump Names Pete Hegseth, Fox News Host and Veteran, as Defense Secretary
President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host, author, and military veteran, as his pick for defense secretary, according to BBC. Hegseth, 44, served in Afghanistan and Iraq and will now oversee the world’s most powerful military in what will be his first political role.
Trump announced the decision on Tuesday, calling Hegseth “tough, smart, and a believer in America First.” BBC reports that Hegseth is known for his outspoken views on military and veterans’ issues and his criticism of progressive policies in the armed forces.
Trump’s administration is beginning to take shape following his victory in last week’s election. Alongside Hegseth’s appointment, Trump also named other key figures, including billionaire Elon Musk to focus on reducing government costs and Michael Waltz as national security adviser. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is expected to take a significant role in homeland security, according to BBC.
If confirmed by the Senate, Hegseth will face big challenges, such as deciding how to handle military support for Israel in Gaza and U.S. aid to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. BBC notes that Trump has criticized U.S. spending on Ukraine and wants to keep America out of foreign conflicts.
Hegseth’s views on the military reflect Trump’s campaign promises. BBC highlights that Hegseth opposes “woke” policies in the armed forces and has suggested firing top military officials involved in diversity and inclusion programs. On a podcast, he criticized policies that he believes distract from the military’s focus on combat readiness, saying, “Either you’re in for war fighting, and that’s it.”
BBC also reports that Hegseth successfully lobbied Trump during his first presidency to pardon servicemen accused of war crimes. His selection as defense secretary underscores Trump’s vision for a military focused on strength, accountability, and traditional values.
With this pick, BBC says, Trump is setting a clear tone for his new administration, aiming to bring fresh faces into government roles while sticking closely to his America First agenda.
Source: BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c937ndxvkggo