President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Pete Hegseth as his Secretary of Defense, fulfilling a promise to prioritize military reform with an “America First” approach. “I’m proud to nominate Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense. Pete has dedicated his life to supporting our troops and our nation. He’s tough, smart, and committed to putting America first,” Trump said in a statement.
Hegseth’s tenure at Fox News, where he co-hosted “FOX & Friends Weekend,” officially ended on Tuesday. Having joined Fox News as a contributor in 2014, Hegseth was promoted to co-host in 2017 and became known for his military insight, winning a strong following among viewers. “Pete has been an outstanding presence on ‘FOX & Friends’ and FOX Nation,” Fox News Media stated, praising his impact on the show’s success and wishing him well in Washington.
Hegseth, a veteran of the Army National Guard with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, has also hosted Fox Nation’s “Patriot Awards” since 2019, a tribute to first responders and everyday heroes. While he will not host this year’s awards on December 5, Hegseth recently authored the bestseller War on Warriors, which topped The New York Times list and sold nearly 150,000 copies since June.
Trump reaffirmed his support for Hegseth, saying, “With Pete at the helm, our enemies will know America’s strength and our military will be revitalized. Nobody fights harder for our troops.”
Hegseth’s nomination received mixed reactions. Senator Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., said he needed to “think about it,” while Senator John Hoeven, R-N.D., commented that the choice was well-received by two Marines he was with at the time. Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., a retired Army officer and Trump’s pick for national security adviser, praised Hegseth as a “combat-decorated veteran with the grit to bring real reform.”
Senator Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., voiced strong opposition, criticizing Hegseth’s lack of qualifications. “A Fox & Friends co-host is not fit to lead our defense agencies,” she wrote, warning that Hegseth’s appointment would compromise national security.
During Trump’s first term, five men held the Secretary of Defense role, with some resigning or being dismissed. Hegseth’s selection suggests Trump’s intent to pursue a new direction for the Pentagon.
