Trump Selects Fox Host As Defense Secretary

President-elect Donald J. Trump has announced the selection of Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host and veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, as his next defense secretary.

Hegseth's military service includes deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. I Photo: Pete Hegseth Facebook

This appointment elevates a media ally to lead the Pentagon and oversee 1.3 million active-duty troops, as reported by Helene Cooper and Maggie Haberman for The New York Times.

Hegseth’s selection is unusual for the traditionally senior, seasoned defense secretary role.

Although he lacks high-level military and national security experience, he was a vocal supporter of Trump during his first term, defending Trump’s interactions with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and advocating for the “America First” policy, which emphasizes withdrawing U.S. troops from overseas.

He has also championed combat veterans accused of war crimes.

Trump praised Hegseth’s combat experience and his support of veterans. “Pete is tough, smart, and a true believer in America First,” Trump said. “With Pete at the helm, America’s enemies are on notice—our military will be great again, and America will never back down.”

Hegseth, who joined Fox News as a contributor in 2014, has been a co-host of “Fox & Friends” and the host of Fox’s New Year’s coverage for several years. His military service includes deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Guantánamo Bay, Cuba.