WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump shocked the defense establishment by nominating Fox News host Pete Hegseth as defense secretary, a choice that bypassed many seasoned national security figures in favor of a largely untested candidate on the global stage. Hegseth, an Army National Guard captain and conservative co-host of “Fox & Friends Weekend,” is well-known in conservative media but lacks substantial experience in senior defense leadership.
The announcement stirred concerns across Washington, with many questioning Hegseth’s qualifications to lead the world’s largest military. While some Republican lawmakers praised his combat experience as an asset, others disagreed about his readiness for the role. Hegseth’s nomination signals potential changes for the military, as he shares Trump’s opposition to “woke” initiatives on equity and inclusion, has questioned women’s roles in combat, and advocated pardoning service members charged with war crimes.
At a rally in Las Vegas in June, Trump promoted Hegseth’s book and vowed to end “woke” policies within 24 hours of taking office. A staunch supporter of Trump’s “America First” agenda, Hegseth has publicly criticized policies allowing women in combat roles, arguing that they complicate military operations. His views sparked further debate, especially since women have succeeded in grueling military roles since the Pentagon opened all combat positions to them in 2016.
Though Trump praised Hegseth as “tough, smart, and a true believer in America First,” critics argue his lack of experience could hinder his effectiveness. Representative Adam Smith, the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, raised concerns about whether Hegseth possesses the policy depth required for the role. Meanwhile, Mark Cancian, a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, suggested that Hegseth’s nomination might face difficulties in Senate confirmation.
The Pentagon, managing over $800 billion budget and overseeing 1.3 million active-duty troops, poses a significant leadership challenge. If confirmed, Hegseth would confront various global crises, from conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine to strategic tensions with China. Skeptics in both parties await Hegseth’s answers on how he plans to address these challenges despite limited defense experience.
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