Pete Hegseth: Trump's Controversial Choice for Secretary of Defense
On Tuesday, Donald Trump announced that he has appointed television host Pete Hegseth as his Secretary of Defense. This role equates to the Minister of Defense and will entail managing the most powerful military force in the world. Hegseth, a former soldier who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, has a distinctive career trajectory for a potential Secretary of Defense. He reached the rank of captain in the military, which is considerably lower than the current Secretary Lloyd Austin, a four-star general with significant experience in military leadership.
At 44 years old, Hegseth holds degrees from Princeton and Harvard, two of the most prestigious educational institutions in the United States and globally. His military experience includes time at the U.S. military base in Guantanamo, Cuba, coupled with deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan. After retiring from active duty in 2012, he considered running as a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate from Minnesota but eventually withdrew before the primaries.
In 2014, Hegseth transitioned to a media career as a commentator on Fox News, the leading conservative television network in the country, eventually becoming a host of the popular weekend edition of "Fox & Friends." Throughout his tenure as a media personality, Hegseth has made headlines with his radical opinions, often expressing far-right views regarding military matters.
Notably, Hegseth has made claims against women serving in the military, asserting that their combat capabilities are inferior to those of men. Additionally, he has criticized inclusive practices within the military and held extreme views on various issues. He is also a vocal opponent of so-called "woke ideologies" in defense circles, suggesting he would dismiss any higher rank personnel who support such beliefs.
In a particularly bizarre assertion during a Fox News broadcast in 2019, Hegseth claimed that he had not washed his hands in ten years, reasoning that germs are invisible and thus do not exist. Following his appointment announcement, a video surfaced showing Hegseth accidentally throwing an axe at a drummer during a public event, adding to the concerns about his preparedness for office.
Infamously, within defense circles, Hegseth seems largely unknown, which raises eyebrows regarding his qualifications for the roles he will undertake. Politico reached out to defense and security experts for reactions, who expressed skepticism about Hegseth's suitability. One prominent lobbyist, wishing to remain anonymous, voiced a common sentiment: "Who the hell is this?" In a similar vein, Adam Smith, the leading Democratic member on the House Armed Services Committee, confessed that he was unaware of Hegseth's existence until moments before the announcement.
As Secretary of Defense, Hegseth will face the challenge of managing various international crises, particularly regarding tensions in Ukraine and issues in the Middle East. However, analysts point out that he has minimal international experience and lacks established relationships with key allies, which could hinder his capability in this critical position.
Hegseth's appointment will need Senate confirmation, where the Republican Party currently holds a majority. While his unpreparedness is expected to cast doubts in the Senate, it is also expected that Trump's preference for loyalty over competence factored heavily into this appointment. Historically, Trump has experienced contentious relationships with past Secretaries of Defense, notably with Jim Mattis and Mark Esper—both of whom departed amid significant controversies criticizing Trump's governance.
In contrast, Hegseth is anticipated to uphold unwavering loyalty to Trump, something he has indicated multiple times. As uncertainty looms over international relations and military preparedness, many observers will be watching closely to see how Hegseth navigates these turbulent waters in his new role.
Related Sources: