U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has picked Pete Hegseth, a Fox News commentator and Army National Guard veteran, as his Secretary of Defence.
A prominent American television host, author and conservative political commentator, Hegseth, 44, has gained attention as a public speaker.
Swift Decision-Making
Showing swiftness in decision-making, Trump also handpicked former Director of National Intelligence, John Ratcliffe, 59, as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
Trump Calls Hegseth Tough And Smart
The President-elect is confident that the “tough and smart” Pete will help in making the U.S. military great again.
” Pete has spent his entire life as a Warrior for the Troops, and for the Country,”
The former U.S. President has already chosen many hardliners in his team including Marco Rubio, Tom Honman and Kristi Noem.
Ratcliffe Honoured With The National Security Medal In 2020
In 2020, Trump awarded him the coveted National Security Medal, the nation’s highest honour for distinguished achievement in the field of intelligence and national security.
Ratcliffe has also served in Congress for over five years as U.S. Representative for the 4th Congressional District of Texas.
The President-elect stated, ” I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation’s highest intelligence positions.”
He added that John will be ” a fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans, while ensuring the highest levels of National Security And PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.’
Statements Praising Hegseth and Ratcliffe
Trump issued two separate statements announcing his decision on these key posts.
As in the case of other persons he has selected for top posts, Trump presented a summary enumerating accomplishments of Hegseth and Ratcliffe.
In a statement, Trump praised 44 year-old Pete as “tough, smart and a true believer in America First.”
America’s Enemies Are On Notice
“With Pete at the helm, America’s enemies are on notice – Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down.”
What has Pete Accomplished?
Trump further said that Pete is an Army Combat Veteran who has done tours in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq and Afghanistan.
He has been decorated with two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman’s Badge for his actions on the battlefield.
” Pete has spent his entire life as a Warrior for the Troops, and for the Country,” Trump’s stated.
Why Is Pete Fit For The Top Post?
” He will be a courageous and patriotic champion of our ‘Peace through Strength’ policy.
If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Hegseth could fulfil Trump’s campaign promises to rid the U.S. military of generals who he accuses of pursuing progressive policies on diversity in the ranks that conservatives have opposed.
Disdain For “Woke” Policies
Pete has expressed disdain for the “woke” policies of Pentagon leaders including its top military officer.
Hegseth has also accused the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force General C.Q. Brown, a former fighter pilot of “pursuing the radical positions of left-wing politicians.”
Trump told Fox News in June he would fire generals he described as “woke.”
This term is used for those who focus on racial and social justice but which is used by conservatives to disparage progressive policies.
Criticism By Opponents
Trump is already facing criticism from his opponents for selecting Hegseth as Secretary of Defence.
“The job of Secretary of Defence should not be an entry-level position,” Representative Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, said on X.
Hegseth has railed against NATO allies for being weak and said that China is on the verge of dominating its neighbors.
Transition From Military To Media
Born in Minnesota, Pete left the military in 2021 after being sidelined for his political and religious views.
He then moved to a career in media and joined Fox & Friends Weekend as a co-host.
What Hegseth’s Selection Means?
Hegseth has been sharply critical of America’s European allies.
His selection therefore could trigger more anxiety in NATO about what a Trump administration will mean for the alliance.
Hegseth’s Views On China And Russia- Ukraine Conflict
He has publicly stated that China is building a military “specifically dedicated to defeating the United States of America.”
In a recent podcast, Hegseth said that Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine appeared to be “Putin’s give-me-my-shit-back war.”
