WASHINGTON, Nov 13: President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Fox News host and Army veteran Pete Hegseth, 44, to serve as the next U.S. Secretary of Defense. Announcing the nomination Tuesday night, Trump expressed confidence in Hegseth’s dedication to America’s military and defense principles.
“I am honored to announce Pete Hegseth as our new Secretary of Defense,” Trump said. “Pete is a relentless advocate for the troops and a true patriot who embodies our ‘Peace through Strength’ policy.”
Trump praised Hegseth’s military background and commitment to veterans, describing him as “tough, smart, and a strong believer in America First.” With Hegseth’s leadership, Trump stated, “our military will be great again, and America’s enemies are on notice.”
A Princeton graduate with a master’s degree from Harvard, Hegseth is an Army combat veteran with tours in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan. His military service earned him two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman’s Badge.
For the past eight years, Hegseth has been a prominent Fox News host, advocating for military issues and veterans’ rights. His recent book, The War on Warriors, spent nine weeks on the New York Times best-sellers list and discusses the challenges faced by military personnel, urging a return to meritocracy and excellence in the armed forces.
Trump also highlighted Hegseth’s leadership of two veterans’ advocacy groups, noting his dedication to both active duty military and veterans.
