Former President Donald Trump names Pete Hegseth-a popular Fox News personality, writer, and former military officer- as his pick for the Department of Defense. Hegseth is 44 years old and has seen action in both Afghanistan and Iraq but has never held political office. Trump called Hegseth “tough, smart, and a true believer in America First,” which bodes well for his stand on strong national defense.
This announcement came on the heels of a recent victory by Trump in the presidential elections and his very rapid actions to secure his new administration. Trump announced Hegseth’s appointment together with another appointment, that of billionaire Elon Musk, who is going to help decrease government costs. Other new appointees include Trump’s pick for CIA director, John Ratcliffe.
The Hegseth announcement must be confirmed by the Senate. If approved, there will be two hot-button items-military aid to Israel regarding the action inside Gaza, and aid to Ukraine as that nation continues its battle against Russian forces. He also will be working for a boss who has been decidedly cool to foreign interventions, as Trump frequently speaks to the issue of not getting bogged down in lengthy conflicts, with specific criticism of the expense of supporting Kyiv.
Hegseth Means a Change in U.S. Foreign Policy
With Hegseth, Trump’s administration is likely to introduce some fresh approach to U.S. military involvement. In his campaigns, Trump berated the Biden Administration for spending to aid Ukraine and showed every indication that he would be interested in less interventionist foreign policy. Hegseth, someone who has spoken out publicly against what he calls “woke” policies within the military, may see this position as an opportunity to refocus the Department of Defense on core priorities of defense.
It remains to be seen, but Hegseth will likely revisit current policies and take another look at how assets are spread across multiple theaters of conflict throughout the world. This is where Trump’s naming of Hegseth is perhaps meant to signal a shift toward a less obese military policy and one that doesn’t embroil itself in foreign conflicts so easily unless necessary for national security.
Elon Musk Joins Trump’s Efforts to Streamline Government
On the same day as the Hegseth announcement, Trump announced that he had selected Elon Musk to join the team for an entire remake of government spending and bureaucracy. It would be expected that Musk-so well known for his unusually imaginative approaches to both business and technology advise on ways to make the federal government more effective and fiscally responsible.
Musk, who has never held office in the governmental world, embodies Trump’s penchant for unconventional appointments. Instead, he appoints people from all walks of life, not politicians. Musk’s experiences with Tesla and SpaceX could lend a fresh perspective to the way government works internally; critics have questioned how his corporate management philosophies will play out in public administration, however.
Trump’s New Team: The Key Players
Added to this announcement, Hegseth and Musk, respectively, Trump has doled out a series of high-profile appointments to other critical roles. Those said to be in the running include South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem for the Department of Homeland Security and Michael Waltznot another veteran for National Security Adviser. These announcements reflect Trump’s focus on a hardened national security presence.
One name being tossed around for the position of Secretary of State is Senator Marco Rubio, notorious for his hardline approach to China. The confirmation of Rubio will help put fully into place Trump’s foreign policy plan, with Republicans having taken over the Senate and poised for a majority in the House. Other various positions need confirmation by the Senate, and Trump has called for fast-track procedures to bypass any delays.
Hegseth will join a group of four influential appointees who must execute the Trump vision for America, whose predisposition towards domestic priorities goes hand-in-hand with very selective engagement abroad.
