Trump says he will selected anti-'woke' Fox News host Pete Hegseth for defense secretary
Washington, Nov 12 (Reuters)** - U.S. President-elect Donald Trump announced Tuesday his selection of Pete Hegseth, a Fox News commentator and military veteran, as his choice for Secretary of Defense. Known for his criticism of the Pentagon’s so-called “woke” policies, Hegseth has expressed disapproval of what he views as progressive influences within the military, including diversity initiatives endorsed by senior defense leaders.
If confirmed by the Senate, Hegseth may act on Trump’s campaign promises to remove military leaders whom he believes prioritize social policies over combat readiness—a stance that has galvanized conservative support. His appointment could signal heightened tensions with figures like General C.Q. Brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who Hegseth has criticized for what he perceives as aligning with “radical left-wing positions.”
The 44-year-old, who is known for his skepticism of NATO, is one of Trump’s more unexpected picks as he prepares his cabinet ahead of his Jan. 20 inauguration. The decision was swiftly condemned by Trump opponents. Representative Adam Smith, a senior Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, commented on social media that “the job of Secretary of Defense should not be an entry-level position.”
In announcing his choice, Trump praised Hegseth, who served in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Guantanamo Bay as an Army National Guard member. "Pete is tough, smart, and a true believer in America First,” Trump said in a statement. “With Pete at the helm, America’s enemies are on notice—our military will be great again, and America will never back down."
Hegseth has previously voiced skepticism about NATO allies, often accusing them of underfunding their defenses and leaving the U.S. with an unfair burden. He has also suggested that China is positioning itself to dominate its neighbors militarily.
In his book *The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free*, Hegseth recounted leaving the military in 2021, citing political and religious differences with the Army. He noted, “The feeling was mutual—I didn’t want this Army anymore either.”
With Trump’s stated intent to remove senior military leaders he considers “woke” for promoting social justice initiatives, Hegseth could become a key advocate for purging officers who support such policies. In his book, he argued that the Pentagon’s leadership needs a complete overhaul to enhance national security and readiness, calling for many firings. He also questioned General Brown's appointment, suggesting that race may have played a role in his selection—a claim that has drawn controversy.
Trump’s past clashes with military officials, including former Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, whom he recently criticized, add to speculation about how Hegseth might handle conflicts within the Pentagon. Hegseth himself has been openly critical of Milley, accusing him of favoring the Democratic Party and failing to support Trump’s policies.
Hegseth’s views on America’s alliances have also raised concerns, particularly regarding NATO. In his book, he referred to the alliance as “outdated” and “impotent,” arguing that European countries often fail to invest adequately in their own defense while relying on U.S. support. He has repeatedly criticized European allies for not contributing enough to NATO’s defense spending requirements, expressing frustration with what he sees as outdated security commitments.
On other fronts, Hegseth has voiced strong concerns over China, warning that its military buildup could challenge U.S. dominance not just regionally but globally. Recently, he described China’s intentions as being “specifically dedicated to defeating the United States of America.”
Hegseth’s position on Ukraine has also drawn attention. He described Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine as “Putin’s give-me-my-stuff-back war” and echoed Trump’s criticisms of President Joe Biden’s support for Ukraine, questioning whether U.S. involvement in the conflict risks provoking further escalation.
As Trump fills out his cabinet, Hegseth’s selection highlights the president-elect’s intent to realign U.S. defense policy with a more skeptical view of traditional alliances and a harder stance on perceived internal ideological influences within the military.
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