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Trump chooses the surprise name for Defense, who will be the new head of the Pentagon

2024-11-13 18:15:22Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Trump chooses the surprise name for Defense, who will be the new head of the
Marine Corps System Command Commander David Walsh, left, and Pete Hegseth, right

President Donald Trump has made a surprise move by appointing Pete Hegseth, a military veteran and television host, as the new Pentagon chief. The decision has come as a surprise, as Hegseth, a popular figure on Fox News, will now lead the Defense Department, a job of immense responsibility.

An unconventional choice

Hegseth's selection came amid widespread speculation that Trump would choose a well-known defense figure, such as Rep. Mike Rogers, chairman of the House Armed Services, or another lawmaker with security experience. But in a statement issued Tuesday evening, Trump announced Hegseth's choice: "Pete is tough, smart and a strong defender of the principle of 'America First.' With Pete at the helm, our enemies will know that America's military will be strong again and America will never back down."

Dealing with critics and new priorities

This choice is seen as a surprise, given Trump's other moves as far as the new administration is concerned. He chose ex-military Mike Waltz as his security advisor, while Senator Marco Rubio will take over as Secretary of State. Unlike these figures with traditional views on America's role in the world, Hegseth is seen as an "outsider" with no experience in leading the Pentagon.

Trump cited Hegseth's latest book, "The War on Our Warriors," as a key factor in the choice. In this book, Hegseth strongly criticizes what he calls the "leftist betrayal" of the US military and advocates returning the military to a culture based on meritocracy and discipline.

A veteran with a controversial track record

Pete Hegseth, 44, has been an early supporter of Trump since the 2016 presidential campaign, when other prominent Republican Party figures, including Senator Rubio, opposed the New York billionaire. He is a decorated Army veteran and a popular anchor on Fox News for the past eight years. Hegseth was also one of the top contenders for Secretary of Veterans Affairs in Trump's first term, before David Shulkin was named to the position.

If confirmed by the Senate, Hegseth will face major challenges, including the complicated situation in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as increasing pressure to give more attention to the Indo-Pacific, a top priority to deal with the impact China's rise.

A controversial election with a mixed political history

A Princeton graduate and former founder of Concerned Veterans for America, a group that supports contracting out services for veterans, Hegseth is a controversial figure. His ties to the Koch brothers-funded group have raised concerns among some veterans groups, particularly during Trump's first term.

Hegseth has also drawn attention for a prominent Jerusalem Cross tattoo, which some have linked to white nationalist groups. However, he has categorically denied any connection with nationalist movements.

Interventions in military justice

During Trump's first term, Hegseth played an important role in the president's interventions in military justice. He influenced pardon decisions for soldiers convicted of war crimes, including Clint Lorance and Major Mathew Golsteyn. He was also a supporter of the reinstatement of Edward Gallagher's rank, an issue that had attracted considerable media attention and sparked debate about military ethics.

These decisions by Trump have faced strong criticism from some lawmakers, including Senator Jack Reed, who described the pardons as "a serious damage" to the integrity of the military justice system.

Reactions and new pressures for the Pentagon

Mike Johnson, a Trump ally, praised Hegseth's choice, calling it a "great choice." Johnson emphasized that Hegseth brings a fresh perspective and a reforming approach, especially in areas that need change.

However, his confirmation is expected to face increased scrutiny from the Senate, where scrutiny of his background and views could be a major challenge. For many analysts, this is a test of how the second Trump administration will conduct defense policy and the United States' military influence in the world.

Will Hegseth bring about the changes promised by Trump, or will he face resistance in a politically divided Washington? That remains to be seen.


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