Trump picks Fox News personality for top Pentagon job, setting up Senate showdown
Former president chooses long-time ally **Pete Hegseth** to head Defense Department in potential second term. Pick reflects Trumps desire for Pentagon leadership more aligned with his military vision
In a move that signals big changes for military leadership Donald Trump picked Fox News host and veteran Pete Hegseth as his defense secretary nominee - setting up what could be a hard-fought Senate approval process
The ex-presidentʼs choice shows his focus on putting trusted allies in top spots; during his previous White House stint (2017-21) Trump often butted heads with Pentagon chiefs who didnt agree with his plans. Military leaders pushed back on his ideas about pulling troops from foreign bases and using soldiers for handling street protests
Hegseth has kept strong ties with Trump over the years: the Fox host (who served in the military) gets regular praise from the former president even though Trump isnt happy with the network these days. Their connection goes way back - Hegseth always backed Trumps views on how the military should work
The pick fits into Trumps broader plan to avoid the problems he had last time with defense officials. He wants people whoʼll support his ideas about:
- Moving troops back from overseas bases
- Using military force inside US borders
- Putting America-first in global defense deals
The nomination comes at a time when Trump looks to build his future cabinet team; many see this early pick as a sign he wants total control of military decisions if he wins next years election
