Pete Hegseth named Secretary of Defense

Combat veteran and Fox News host Pete Hegseth has been nominated for Secretary of Defense by Presidet-elect Donald Trump. In making the announcement, Trump expressed confidence in the pick, highlighting Hegseth’s military background and opposition to “woke” policies in the armed services.

“Pete has spent his entire life as a Warrior for the Troops, and for the Country,” Trump said in a statement on social media. “Pete is tough, smart and a true believer in America First. With Pete at the helm, America’s enemies are on notice – Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down.”

Hegseth, who earned two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman’s Badge, was a former National Guard Captain and served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He holds degrees from both Harvard and Princeton and has been what’s described as a tireless defender of veteran rights and outspoken critic of Democrat policies that have undermined the military’s readiness and morale. He expressed those views in the #1 New York Times bestseller, “The War on Warriors.”

Trump praised Hegseth’s advocacy for a strong, merit-based military aligned with his “peace through strength” mandate.

Under a 1947 law and 1949 Amendments, “the Secretary was appointed from civilian life provided he had not been on active duty as a commissioned officer within ten years of his nomination,” according to the department’s historical website.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) praised Trump’s choice of Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, saying that he “brings a lot to the table.”

“He’s got experience and I think he’ll be reform-minded in the areas that need reform,” Johnson told the AP.

While earning praise, not everyone is supportive. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), the leading Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, says there is “no question” that Hegseth’s combat experience is a plus but he expects Hegseth’s nomination to face Senate opposition, citing limited policymaking experience for the role.

The Defense Department budget exceeds $800 billion, with about 1.3 million active-duty troops and another 1.4 million in the National Guard, Reserves and civilian employees based worldwide.

Under the Biden it has under heavy criticism from military families and Republicans for forced vaccination during Covid in which most religious exemptions were not granted.

­–Dwight Widaman