Fox News host gets unexpected nomination for top Pentagon position
Former military officer and Fox personality Pete Hegseth receives nomination for Defense Secretary role A mix of praise and doubt follows this pick as Trump builds his future cabinet
In a non-standard move on 11/13/24‚ Donald Trump picked Fox News weekend host Pete Hegseth as his choice for Defense Secretary position (a decision that got mixed reactions from Washington insiders)
I am honored to announce that I have nominated Pete Hegseth to serve in my Cabinet as the Secretary of Defense. Pete has spent his entire life as a warrior for the troops‚ and for the country
Hegseth‚ who joined Fox roughly 10 years ago brings National Guard experience from Iraq and Afghanistan missions; hes also known for co-hosting Fox & Friends Weekend. His background includes work with veteran-focused groups like Vets For Freedom
Top critics point to experience gaps: Paul Rieckhoff from Independent Veterans of America called him least-qualified nominee ever while Adam Smith‚ House Armed Services Committee democrat said he didnt even know who Hegseth was until today. However Mike Johnson‚ House Speaker thinks the nominee brings needed reform-minded approach
The same day Trump made other key picks:
- John Ratcliffe - picked to lead CIA
- Mike Huckabee - chosen as Israel ambassador
- Steven Witkoff - special Middle-East envoy
- Bill McGinley - White House counsel
Ratcliffe‚ whos known for defending Trump during his first impeachment back in 19ʼ would become first person to hold both top intel jobs - a fact Trump highlighted when discussing future national-security plans
