Trump’s defence choice stuns the Pentagon and raises questions about the Fox News host’s experience

Trump's nomination of Fox News host Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary raises concerns over his lack of experience.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has stunned the Pentagon and the broader defence world by nominating Fox News host Pete Hegseth to serve as his Defence Secretary, tapping someone largely inexperienced and untested on the global stage to take over the world’s largest and most powerful military.

The news was met with bewilderment and worry among many in Washington as Mr. Trump passed on a number of established national security heavy-hitters and chose an Army National Guard captain well known in conservative circles as a co-host of Fox News Channel’s Fox & Friends Weekend .

While some Republican lawmakers had a muted response to the announcement, others called his combat experience an asset or said he was “tremendously capable.”

Mr. Trump’s choice of Mr. Hegseth, 44, could bring sweeping changes to the military. Mr. Hegseth has made it clear on his show and in interviews that, like Mr. Trump, he is opposed to “woke” programmes that promote equity and inclusion. He also has questioned the role of women in combat and advocated pardoning service members charged with war crimes.

Mr. Hegseth has been a contributor since 2014 for Fox News, developing a friendship with Mr. Trump, who made regular appearances on his show. He is the author of The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free .

Against ‘Woke’ agenda

“With Pete (Hegseth) at the helm, America’s enemies are on notice,” Mr. Trump said in a statement. “Nobody fights harder for the troops, and Pete will be a courageous and patriotic champion of our ‘Peace through Strength’ policy.”