Kelly Questions, Gallego Tight-Lipped on Trump’s Defense Pick – Insights from Fox News Host Pete Hegseth

Arizona Senator Mark Kelly has voiced significant concern over Donald Trump’s selection of Pete Hegseth as defense secretary, citing a lack of relevant national security experience. Kelly, a former Navy combat pilot, questioned the rationale behind appointing a conservative television host with no direct experience in defense policy. “Typically you expect someone in that role to have implemented or made policy – defense policy,” he remarked on Wednesday.

In contrast to recent defense secretaries who have held prominent positions within the military or intelligence sectors, Hegseth’s background is primarily within media. His controversial stance against perceived ‘woke’ military policies is seen as favoring Trump. Hegseth advocates for the removal of women from combat roles, a policy introduced under former President Barack Obama, and attributes a focus on gender equality to a decline in U.S. military readiness.

Senate Democrats are unyielding in their belief that such views are insufficient grounds for the position. “We’re going to get an opportunity here in the Armed Services Committee to ask him some very pointed questions,” Kelly stated. He emphasized having little prior knowledge of Hegseth, commenting on his TV career that spanned nearly a decade.

With Senate Republicans set to control at least 53 seats, confirmation could occur with only a simple majority. U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego, Arizona’s newly elected senator and a Marine veteran who served in Iraq, refrained from commenting on the nomination when approached.

Republican Senator Ted Cruz, while not on the Armed Services Committee, acknowledged a careful evaluation of Trump’s nominees. “With all of President Trump’s nominees we’ll assess them on their merits,” he said, looking forward to upcoming hearings.

The role of Pentagon chief encompasses oversight of over 1.3 million active duty members, along with a substantial civilian workforce. Trump’s rationale for selecting Hegseth focuses on his military service and advocacy for the armed forces. “Pete has spent his entire life as a Warrior for the Troops, and for the Country,” Trump stated on social media, predicting Hegseth would champion a “Peace through Strength” policy.

During his military career, Hegseth received two Bronze Stars for service in Iraq and Afghanistan and rose to the rank of major in the Army National Guard. Additionally, he led the conservative group Concerned Veterans for America and holds degrees from Princeton and Harvard.

In his recently published book, “The War on Warriors,” Hegseth argues that liberal pressures have compromised military recruitment and morale. He specifically condemned leftist policies for damaging the military’s integrity and capability.

Historically, Trump’s previous defense secretaries had vastly different credentials. James Mattis, a retired Marine general, and Mark Esper, former secretary of the Army, both possessed extensive military backgrounds. Current Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin retired as a four-star general after a distinguished 41-year career.

Concerns about Hegseth’s management capabilities are already surfacing among Senate Democrats. “Our United States military deserves the very best of our managerial talent,” commented Senator Richard Blumenthal, indicating further scrutiny during confirmation hearings.

The Cabinet selections have also drawn attention for their loyalty to Trump, exemplified by other controversial appointments, such as Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz for attorney general amid ongoing investigations. The confirmation of these nominees remains closely watched.