President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Fox News host Pete Hegseth to serve as the next Secretary of Defense in his second-term administration. The announcement, made Tuesday, is expected to draw significant attention and potential controversy, particularly from Democrats, due to Hegseth's high-profile role as a conservative commentator on Fox News.
Trump praised Hegseth's credentials in a statement, emphasizing his military service and dedication to the "America First" agenda. “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, 43, is a former Army National Guard captain who served in both Afghanistan and Iraq. During his deployment to Iraq, he was awarded the Bronze Star for his service. Before joining Fox News in 2014, Hegseth was involved in veterans’ advocacy, including as executive director of Vets for Freedom, an organization that supports military veterans and their families.
Fox News Media issued a statement lauding Hegseth's work as a host of FOX & Friends and FOX Nation, noting his “exceptional” contributions to the network. “His insights and analysis, especially about the military, resonated deeply with our viewers,” the company said. “We are extremely proud of his work at FOX News Media and wish him the best of luck in Washington.”
Hegseth’s selection marks a significant step in Trump’s efforts to finalize his cabinet ahead of taking office for a second term in January. While the appointment is likely to face scrutiny in the Senate, where Republicans hold a slim majority, Hegseth’s background in military service and his longstanding relationship with the conservative base could help smooth his confirmation process.
Although Hegseth has spent years as a vocal advocate for veterans and a staunch defender of the military, his candidacy is likely to spark fierce debate, particularly over his association with Fox News. Democrats may criticize the appointment as another example of Trump’s close ties to the network, with Hegseth being a prominent figure on the channel for nearly a decade.
Hegseth's appointment comes on the heels of another major personnel announcement from Trump’s transition team: former Texas Congressman John Ratcliffe will serve as the next Director of the CIA. Ratcliffe, who previously served as Director of National Intelligence under Trump, has been a vocal supporter of the former president's claims about Russian interference in the 2016 election and the FBI's handling of the FISA court. Trump praised Ratcliffe in a statement, calling him a "warrior for Truth and Honesty."
Ratcliffe's selection, coupled with Hegseth’s nomination, signals that Trump is focusing on bolstering his defense and intelligence teams with loyal allies ahead of his second term. "I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation’s highest Intelligence positions,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “He will be a fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans, while ensuring the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.”
Trump has also made several other key appointments in recent days, including former New York Congressman Lee Zeldin as EPA director, New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik as UN Ambassador, and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security. Other notable figures in Trump’s cabinet include longtime ally and campaign co-chair Susie Wiles as White House Chief of Staff, and former ICE Director Tom Homan as Border Czar.
