President-elect Donald Trump has named Pete Hegseth, a host at Fox News Channel, as his choice to lead the Department of Defense. Hegseth, a military veteran and well-known conservative figure with a substantial following, has previously established a strong connection with Trump, who had considered him for various roles in his first administration. Hegseth has been vocal in advocating for the release of military personnel accused of war crimes.
Hegseth, 44, is recognized not only for his role as a co-host of the weekend edition of “Fox & Friends” but also for his contributions as an author. Over the past decade, he has become a prominent voice at Fox News. His frequent interactions with Trump during the president-elect’s appearances on his show helped foster their relationship. A spokesperson for the network praised Hegseth’s expertise in military matters, which has resonated with the audience. His literary works, including “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” have also garnered attention, with Trump highlighting the book’s success on the New York Times best-sellers list.
A veteran of the U.S. military, Hegseth’s experience includes deployment in Afghanistan and Iraq after earning his commission as an infantry captain upon graduating from Princeton University in 2003. He also served at Guantanamo Bay. Previously, he led the Concerned Veterans for America, an organization supported by prominent conservative figures, and made an unsuccessful bid for a Senate seat in Minnesota in 2012. He holds a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. Trump had previously considered him for the position of Secretary of Veterans Affairs and evaluated him again when Secretary David Shulkin faced scrutiny in 2018.
Hegseth publicly defended military personnel accused of war crimes, actively supporting pardons for them during 2019. He utilized his platform on Fox News to advocate for their cases and urged Trump to grant pardons, which he believed would be significant. His campaign for pardons was met with success, as Trump pardoned several servicemen, including a former Army commando and a lieutenant convicted of murder. Trump also facilitated a promotion for a Navy SEAL convicted of violating conduct standards.
If appointed, Hegseth would assume leadership of the Pentagon during a period marked by multiple international challenges. He would need to navigate the complexities of the ongoing Russian conflict in Ukraine, increased tensions in the Middle East involving Iranian forces, and the precarious situation between Israel and Hamas. Additionally, concerns about the strengthening ties between Russia and North Korea add to the critical nature of the role.
The position of defense secretary has historically been filled with instability, especially during Trump’s first term when five individuals held the position. There were significant tensions and misunderstandings between Trump and his military and civilian leaders, which made it difficult for them to manage unexpected policy shifts and messaging from the president. Many military leaders from Trump’s initial term have publicly criticized him, asserting he is unfit for the presidency, a sentiment Trump has reciprocated in kind.