Trump Nominates Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Fox News host Pete Hegseth as defense secretary, surprising the Pentagon and raising concerns due to his limited experience in senior defense roles. Hegseth, an Army National Guard captain with combat experience, is known for his controversial stances against 'woke' military programs and has questioned the role of women in combat, arguing it undermines combat readiness. His nomination is seen as part of Trump's 'America First' agenda, which aims to eliminate equity initiatives in the military quickly. While some Republican lawmakers view Hegseth's combat background as an asset, others express skepticism about his suitability for leading the world's largest military. Critics highlight Hegseth's lack of senior policy experience and his vocal opposition to diversity in the armed forces. Trump's praise for Hegseth as 'tough' and 'smart' contrasts with the apprehension felt among defense experts and lawmakers alike.