Official announcement from the U.S. Senate or credible news outlets

Trump Appoints Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, Names 'America First Patriots' to Key Pentagon Roles

Dec 22, 2024, 10:05 PM

President-elect Donald Trump has announced the appointment of Pete Hegseth as the next Secretary of Defense, with the aim of eliminating what he describes as 'wokeness' from the military and restoring its strength and fighting spirit. Trump stated that Hegseth will be instrumental in putting war fighters first. Alongside Hegseth, Trump has nominated a group of 'America First Patriots' to lead the Defense Department, including Elbridge Colby as Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Michael Duffey as Under Secretary for Acquisition and top Pentagon purchaser, Emil Michael as Under Secretary for Research, Keith Bass as Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs, and Joe Kasper as the Defense Secretary's Chief of Staff. These appointments are seen as part of an effort to depoliticize the military, focus on lethality and military superiority, and prioritize the IndoPacific region.