Donald Trump's appointment of Pete Hegseth, a Fox News commentator and former National Guard officer, as his secretary of defense has sparked controversy within military circles, with one commentator describing him as "the least qualified nominee for SecDef in American history."
Hegseth's selection was announced by Trump in a social media post on Tuesday evening. The president-elect said: "Pete has spent his entire life as a Warrior for the Troops, and for the Country. Pete is tough, smart and a true believer in America First."
During his first term, Trump had an often tempestuous relationship with the two defense secretaries he appointed, Jim Mattis and Mark Esper, both of whom became highly critical of their former boss after leaving office. Speaking to podcaster Joe Rogan in October, Trump said his biggest mistake in the White House had been appointing "bad people," including "neocons," to serve under him.
Hegseth served with the Minnesota National Guard, during which he spent time in Iraq and Afghanistan, and made regular Fox News appearances to discuss military matters. Earlier this year, he published his book, The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free.
Newsweek contacted Pete Hegseth, via the Fox News press office, and Donald Trump's presidential campaign for comment via email on Wednesday outside of regular office hours.
Reacting to Hegseth's appointment on X, formerly Twitter, Paul Rieckhoff, founder of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America Association, commented: "I first met Hegseth when he started running Vets for Freedom around 2007. He is a highly effective and ferocious media, culture and political warrior for MAGA. And beyond loyal to and trusted by Trump.
"I figured Trump would pick probably pick him for Chief of Staff or Press Secretary. But this...
"Hegseth is undoubtedly the least qualified nominee for SecDef in American history. And the most overtly political. Brace yourself, America."
In a statement Paul Eaton, chairman of VoteVets, a group which aims to support veterans and fight "for progressive values," said: "Pete Hegseth is wholly unqualified to head the Department of Defense and hold the lives of our troops in his hands. Period. Nothing more needs to be said."
According to Politico, when asked for their reaction to Hegseth's appointment, one defense industry lobbyist commented: "who the f*** is this guy?" adding they'd been hoping for "someone who actually has an extensive background in defense."
Hegseth's appointment also received criticism on the r/Military Reddit page, which has 486,000 followers, with one commentator posting: "This is beyond stupid. But honestly I can't stop laughing. Like if this was a TV show, people would say f*** this is too made up.
"The greatest military machine in the history of mankind to be under the thumb of a TV show host..."
Another user wrote: "Is this a joke lmao [Laugh My A** Off]? I mean I knew it was going to be a sycophant but this is next level."
However, Hegseth's appointment was welcomed by other commentators on social media.
In a post on X, Hillel Neuer, executive director of United Nations Watch, wrote: "As the next U.S. Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth will finally return the focus of the U.S. Military to meritocracy, lethality, accountability and excellence."
Political commentator Justin Hart wrote: "I've been on FoxNews with Pete Hegseth before. He is smart and super engaging. This is a shocking choice that nobody had on their bingo card for Defense!"
Tuesday also saw Trump announce his second administration will include a Department of Government Efficiency, which will be headed by businessmen Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.
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