President-elect Donald Trump has shocked Washington and the Pentagon by nominating Fox News host Pete Hegseth to serve as his Defense Secretary, a move that has raised concerns due to Hegseth’s limited experience in national security and military leadership. The nomination is seen as a surprising departure from expectations, as Trump bypassed a range of established national security figures in favor of Hegseth, an Army National Guard captain and conservative media personality.
Hegseth, 44, is best known as a co-host of Fox News’ “Fox & Friends Weekend” and has built a reputation in conservative circles for his staunch support of Trump’s “America First” agenda. He has advocated for making the military more lethal, criticized “woke” programs, and raised questions about the role of women in combat. His nomination, however, has sparked concerns, particularly regarding his lack of experience in managing the Pentagon’s vast operations.
The Pentagon oversees a budget exceeding $800 billion, with approximately 1.3 million active-duty troops and a global presence. Military officials have expressed uncertainty over whether Hegseth possesses the necessary skills to manage such a large and complex department. A senior military officer, speaking anonymously, described the nomination as “out of the blue” and questioned Hegseth’s ability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
While some Republicans have defended Hegseth’s nomination, calling his combat experience and conservative views an asset, others have raised red flags. Rep. Adam Smith, the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, expressed concern, stating that Hegseth lacks the policymaking experience required for the position. Similarly, analysts like Mark Cancian from the Center for Strategic and International Studies speculated that Trump’s choice may be more about loyalty than qualifications, given his past struggles with previous Defense Secretaries.
Hegseth’s stance on issues like the inclusion of women in combat roles has also raised eyebrows. Despite women successfully passing rigorous military tests and serving in combat roles since the Pentagon lifted restrictions in 2016, Hegseth has argued that allowing women to serve in combat harms military effectiveness. His views on gender roles and military diversity have become key points of contention as his nomination moves forward.
Trump, however, has praised Hegseth as “tough, smart, and a true believer in America First.” He emphasized Hegseth’s commitment to the military and his potential to implement reforms. “With Pete at the helm, America’s enemies are on notice,” Trump said in a statement. “Our military will be great again.”
Hegseth’s confirmation will require approval from the Senate, and while some Republican Senators have expressed interest in learning more about his background, others have been more cautious, noting the importance of his experience in handling national security issues.
As the nomination process unfolds, questions remain about how Hegseth’s lack of high-level experience will affect his ability to lead the Pentagon through an array of global security challenges, from ongoing conflicts in the Middle East to the growing competition with China.