“Shock” – this is how Washington reacted to the candidacy of the new Pentagon chief
13 November 2024 12:21
Donald Trump plans to appoint 44-year-old Fox News host Pete Hegseth as head of the Pentagon. This was reported by American media the day before, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
“Who the hell is this guy?” This phrase was used by Politico as the headline of an article in which it collected the reactions of national security officials and military analysts to Trump’s unexpected choice.
So, who is Pete Hegseth?
Hegseth is a war veteran who previously served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is currently a Fox News host. During Trump’s first term, he was nominated for the post of Secretary of Veterans Affairs. At the time, this candidacy caused rejection among veterans.
Previously, he criticized NATO allies for their weakness, and claimed that China was building an army “specifically designed to defeat the United States of America.”
This year, speaking on Fox, Hegseth called for a fundamental shift in U.S. military priorities, warning that the current emphasis on diversity and inclusion is weakening America’s defense capabilities.
Hegseth also mentioned Ukraine. Apparently, in his TV comments.
“If Ukraine can defend itself… great, but I don’t want American intervention to go deep into Europe and make (Putin) feel like he’s on the brink,” he said.
Why did Trump make such an unexpected choice?
Politico is trying to figure it out.
“[Trump] values loyalty highly… It seems like one of the main criteria used is how well people defend Donald Trump on television?” ironically suggested Eric Edelman, who served as the Pentagon’s top political official in the Bush administration.
One assessment was more harsh.
“Who the hell is this guy?” a defense industry lobbyist told Politico on condition of anonymity. He emphasized that he and his colleagues were hoping for “someone who really has a lot of experience in defense. That would be a good start.”
As Politico notes, this choice will not help dispel fears inside and outside the Pentagon that Trump, who has argued with his own defense secretaries, this time plans to install a loyalist who will carry out his policies without question. Trump’s rhetoric during the election campaign raised fears that a rapid, divisive reorganization of the Pentagon could occur during his second term.
Hegseth’s candidacy this time around also drew criticism from leaders of veterans’ groups.
“Hegseth is undoubtedly the least qualified candidate for Secretary of Defense in US history. And the most openly politicized. Brace yourself, America,” said Paul Rickhoff, founder of the organization Independent Veterans of America.
Against the backdrop of such assessments, Politico draws the following conclusion: “This pick guarantees that his confirmation hearing will be must-see TV for viewers – a bellicose broadcaster accustomed to national security and culture war fights will take on the Senate Armed Services Committee.”
