Kelly Doubts Trump’s Defense Choice: Fox News Host Pete Hegseth’s National Security Shortcomings

Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly has voiced strong concerns regarding Donald Trump’s nomination of Pete Hegseth as defense secretary, emphasizing the latter’s lack of national security experience. Kelly, a Navy combat pilot, stated Wednesday, “Typically you expect someone in that role to have implemented or made policy – defense policy.”

Recent defense secretaries typically held significant prior positions, such as CIA director or secretary of the Army. In contrast, Hegseth, a conservative Fox News host, lacks any high-level military or national security background. His outspoken criticism of what he terms “woke” military policies may have won him favor with Trump, but Senate Democrats are unconvinced. Kelly remarked, “We’re going to get an opportunity here in the Armed Services Committee to ask him some very pointed questions.”

Arizona’s newly elected senator, Ruben Gallego, also a Democrat and Marine veteran, declined to comment on Hegseth’s nomination when approached by reporters. Meanwhile, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz maintained a neutral stance, indicating that Trump’s nominees would be judged on their merits during upcoming confirmation hearings.

The position of Pentagon chief involves overseeing a colossal agency comprising approximately 1.3 million active-duty personnel and a vast civilian workforce. Yet, Trump appears to value Hegseth’s commitment as opposed to traditional qualifications. “Pete has spent his entire life as a Warrior for the Troops, and for the Country,” Trump shared on social media.

Hegseth, a former infantry officer who earned two Bronze Stars for service in Iraq and Afghanistan, rose to the rank of major in the Army National Guard. He previously led the conservative organization Concerned Veterans for America. His published works include critiques of liberal influence on military policies, showcasing his belief that such dynamics threaten recruitment and military effectiveness.

Trump’s previous defense secretaries had extensive military backgrounds. James Mattis, a retired Marine general, led U.S. Central Command prior to his appointment. Lloyd Austin, the current secretary, served 41 years in the Army, retiring as a four-star general.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut stressed the importance of management experience for the military’s leadership, stating, “Our United States military deserves the very best of our managerial talent.” Hegseth’s nomination comes amid other contentious appointments, notably Matt Gaetz for attorney general, who is facing ethical investigations.

A common characteristic among Trump’s selections is loyalty to the former president, illustrated by the nominations of Lee Zeldin and Kristi Noem, both of whom defended Trump during his impeachment trials. Hegseth’s tenure has not been without controversy; he claims he was excluded from protecting President Biden during inauguration duties due to perceived extremist views.

This developing story continues to unfold, with hearings and discussions likely to further illuminate the implications of Hegseth’s nomination and other Cabinet appointments within the incoming administration.