Trump’s Pick for Defense Secretary Stirs Concerns Over Experience and Radical Views
Washington, D.C. — President-elect Donald Trump has named Pete Hegseth, a Fox News commentator and Army veteran, as his choice for Secretary of Defense, raising concerns across the Pentagon about his lack of executive experience and his controversial views on military policy. If confirmed, Hegseth will oversee 1.3 million active-duty personnel, 750,000 civilians, and a $780 billion budget — responsibilities that some officials worry may exceed his managerial expertise.
The appointment of Hegseth, 43, who has advocated for purging military leadership he considers “woke” and has criticized diversity and inclusion initiatives within the Pentagon, shocked many current and former Defense Department officials. “Would you trust him to run Walmart?” questioned one former DOD official, pointing to the scale and complexity of the Pentagon as a reason for concern.
Hegseth’s military experience includes serving as an Army National Guard officer in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, his most prominent role has been as a media personality on Fox News, where he has criticized Pentagon leadership and called for sweeping changes to the institution. His nomination has many in Washington worried that he will prioritize ideology over nuanced national security policy. A DOD official remarked, “It’s a deadly serious job, and this strikes me as a mainly performative person best known for talking about ‘wokeness’ rather than doing anything on national security post-military.”
Concerns also stem from Trump’s recent proposal to create a “warrior board” of retired officers tasked with evaluating current generals and admirals. Hegseth has openly supported removing military leaders who oppose the administration’s views, including Gen. C.Q. Brown, Chair of the Joint Chiefs. This proposal has fueled fears that Hegseth may launch a wide-reaching overhaul of military leadership to align the Pentagon’s strategic direction with Trump’s vision.
Hegseth’s lack of experience in government bureaucracy has led some to doubt his ability to navigate the Defense Department’s vast network of programs and personnel. “If you’re disarming a bomb, you need to know which wires to cut; you can’t just cut all of them,” said another DOD official, expressing concern that Hegseth’s approach could disrupt critical operations. The official hoped that once Hegseth begins receiving classified briefings, he might recognize the importance of measured, strategic decision-making.
Hegseth’s personal background has also raised questions. Allegations of extramarital affairs and misuse of political funds in his home state of Minnesota have surfaced since Trump’s announcement. In 2018, when Hegseth was under consideration for Secretary of Veterans Affairs, reports revealed that a political action committee he led spent substantial funds on Christmas parties and that Hegseth paid his brother over $100,000 for work at a nonprofit he managed.
For a position that demands legislative and administrative savvy, Hegseth’s resume stands in stark contrast to past Pentagon chiefs who have successfully navigated the Senate confirmation process. Experts like Kori Schake, director of foreign and defense policy at the American Enterprise Institute, argue that winning bipartisan support is crucial for a defense secretary, given the consequences tied to military action. “Even someone as experienced as Robert Gates found the job challenging,” added Eric Edelman, a former Bush administration undersecretary of defense for policy.
With tensions high in regions like the Middle East, many are questioning whether Hegseth, despite his military service, is prepared for the demands of a role that will require him to act swiftly in times of crisis and to manage extensive global operations. As one DOD official noted, “It’s not a building that moves on a dime or changes easily. You’re going to come up against a thousand walls.”
