Official announcements from the Department of Defense or legislative records

Trump Nominates Bronze Star Recipient Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary, Calling Him "True Believer in America First"

Nov 13, 2024, 12:30 AM

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host and Army veteran, to serve as Secretary of Defense, pending Senate confirmation. Hegseth, 44, is a co-anchor of "Fox & Friends Weekend" and a Major in the Minnesota Army National Guard. He served tours in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and was awarded two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman Badge. Known for his advocacy for veterans and his stance against wokeness in the military, Hegseth has also supported the "Defend the Guard" Act. Trump praised him as "tough, smart, and a true believer in America First," stating that with Hegseth at the helm, "America's enemies are on notice." The selection is seen as an unconventional choice that may bring significant changes to the Pentagon's culture.