President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Fox News host Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense has sparked widespread concern and debate, particularly among liberal voters, due to Hegseth’s lack of high-level military experience and controversial political views. As reported by AP News and Bloomberg, this unexpected choice has left the Pentagon and defense experts stunned, raising questions about the future direction of America’s military leadership.

Pete Hegseth’s Background

Pete Hegseth, 44, is a Fox News Channel host and Army National Guard veteran with combat experience in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay 1. He has been a contributor to Fox News for over a decade, co-hosting “Fox & Friends Weekend” and developing a close relationship with Trump through the president-elect’s frequent appearances on the show 1. Hegseth’s military service earned him two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman Badge 2. Prior to his Fox News career, which began in 2014, Hegseth briefly ran for a Senate seat in Minnesota in 2012 and served as CEO of Concerned Veterans for America, an organization advocating for veterans 2.

Concerns Over Nomination

The nomination of Pete Hegseth has raised significant concerns among military experts and policy analysts. Critics have labeled him “the least qualified nominee for this position in U.S. history,” highlighting his lack of senior leadership experience in international security matters. 1

This appointment would put Hegseth in charge of the Department of Defense, which manages an enormous $800 billion budget and oversees 1.3 million active-duty personnel. Additionally, Hegseth’s controversial political views have come under scrutiny, including:

• Strong opposition to diversity and inclusion initiatives in the military
• Questioning women’s roles in combat
• Advocating for pardons of military personnel accused of war crimes 2

These positions have sparked worry among liberal voters about potential shifts in military policy and culture under Hegseth’s leadership. Furthermore, his limited experience in handling complex global challenges, such as ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, tensions with Russia and North Korea, and strategic competition with China, has raised doubts about his readiness for the role. 3 2

Political Reactions to Hegseth 

The nomination of Pete Hegseth has elicited mixed responses across the political spectrum. Representative Adam Smith expressed concerns about Hegseth’s ability to be a serious policymaker, reflecting broader apprehensions among Democrats 1. In contrast, some Republican lawmakers welcomed the news, highlighting Hegseth’s combat background as a potential asset 2. The military community has also voiced skepticism, with discussions on military Reddit forums mocking the nomination as unbelievable 1. Mark Cancian from the Center for Strategic and International Studies noted that Hegseth’s lack of senior national security experience could complicate the Senate confirmation process 3.

Trump’s Motivation

Loyalty appears to be a key factor in Trump’s selection of Hegseth. The president-elect described him as “tough, smart, and a true believer in America First,” suggesting a prioritization of political alignment over extensive national security experience 12.

This choice may stem from Trump’s past conflicts with defense secretaries Jim Mattis and Mark Esper, who later criticized him publicly 3. In an October conversation with Joe Rogan, Trump expressed regret over appointing certain individuals during his first term, hinting at a desire for more loyal cabinet members 3. By nominating Hegseth, a fierce loyalist and conservative media personality, Trump appears to be seeking a defense secretary who will support his policy decisions without challenge.