Trump Nominates Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense
President-elect Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he has selected Fox News host Pete Hegseth as his nominee for U.S. Secretary of Defense. This appointment positions the conservative commentator to lead one of the largest agencies in the federal government.**
In a statement, Trump noted, “With Pete at the helm, America’s enemies are on notice—our military will be great again, and America will never back down.”
Background on Hegseth
Hegseth is an Army combat veteran, having served tours in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan. His selection marks a notable shift from Trump’s earlier appointments, which have predominantly included established GOP figures with significant government experience. Unlike former Secretaries Lloyd Austin and James Mattis, who have extensive backgrounds as senior military officers, Hegseth lacks similar senior military or national security credentials.
Residing in Middle Tennessee with his wife Jenny and their seven children, Hegseth has embraced local culture, appearing to be a Tennessee Volunteers fan. He moved to Sumner County, near Nashville, two years ago and hosted the 5th annual Fox Nation Patriot Awards at the Grand Ole Opry House in 2023.
Career Highlights
At 44, Hegseth is well-known for his eight years on Fox News, where he has served as a commentator and hosted various programs. His biography presents him as a “husband, father, patriot, and Christian.” He has also held the position of CEO for Concerned Veterans for America and has been active in veteran advocacy. In 2012, he briefly ran for the U.S. Senate in Minnesota as a Republican. Hegseth has authored or co-authored five books, including:
– *The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free*
– *Battle for the American Mind: Uprooting a Century of Miseducation*
– *American Crusade: Our Fight to Stay Free*
– *Modern Warriors*
– *In the Arena: Good Citizens, a Great Republic, and How One Speech Can Reinvigorate America*
Controversial Views
Hegseth has sparked debate with his views on women in combat roles and military diversity initiatives. In a recent appearance on the “Shawn Ryan Show” podcast, he stated that integrating men and women in combat complicates operations. “We should not have women in combat roles—it hasn’t made us more effective,” he argued. He also criticized military diversity programs, insisting that any military leaders involved in such initiatives should be removed.
Despite holding degrees from Princeton University and Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, Hegseth has humorously claimed to have “mailed this degree back to Harvard.”
Patriot Awards
For five years, Hegseth has served as the host of Fox Nation’s annual Patriot Awards, an event honoring “everyday heroes,” including military veterans and first responders. The 2023 ceremony took place in Nashville. “I’m really proud of Fox Nation for embracing this from the beginning,” he stated, noting the importance of celebrating American heroes rather than just entertainers. The upcoming 2024 awards show is scheduled for December 5 at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts in Brookville, New York.
Role of the Secretary of Defense
The Secretary of Defense oversees the U.S. Department of Defense, acting as the principal defense policy maker and advisor. Often referred to as the “deputy commander-in-chief,” the Secretary is second in command to the president in military matters and is considered one of the most significant cabinet officials.
Other Appointments in Trump’s Administration
– **Chief of Staff**: Susie Wiles
– **Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy**: Stephen Miller
– **”Border Czar”**: Tom Homan
– **U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations**: Elise Stefanik
– **U.S. Ambassador to Israel**: Mike Huckabee
– **Administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency**: Lee Zeldin
– **Homeland Security Secretary**: Kristi Noem
