Published13. November 2024, 06:57
The new US governmentTrump makes the TV presenter of the Pentagon his chief
Donald Trump nominates Fox News host Pete Hegseth as defense secretary. Trump also announced additional personnel decisions.
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US President-elect Donald Trump has announced that he will appoint Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense.
Hegseth, 44, co-hosts the show “Fox & Friends Weekend” and has worked for Fox News since 2014.
Trump praised Hegseth as a brave supporter of the ”peace through strength” policy.
Trump has also chosen a staunch supporter, Kristi Noem, to head the Department of Homeland Security.
US President-elect Donald Trump wants to appoint Fox News presenter Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense. “With Pete at the helm, America’s enemies have been warned – our military will be great again, and America will never be back,” Trump said in a statement on Tuesday.
Hegseth served in Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay and ran for Senate in Minnesota in 2012 before joining Fox News. “No one fights harder for the troops, and Pete will be a brave and patriotic champion of our Peace Through Strength policy,” Trump said.
Pete Hegseth: a long friendship with Donald Trump
Hegseth is 44 years old and co-host of the Fox News Channel show “Fox & Friends Weekend.” He has worked for the station since 2014, where he developed a friendship with Trump, who appeared regularly on the show.
In a series of announcements, Trump named former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee as ambassador to Israel and longtime friend Steven Witkoff as special envoy for the Middle East. Lawyer William Joseph McGinley is to serve as Trump’s adviser in the White House.
Kristi Noem will lead the Department of Homeland Security
Trump has also chosen a staunch supporter, Kristi Noem, to head the Department of Homeland Security. She was “very committed to border security” and was the first governor to send National Guard troops to “help Texas deal with the Biden border crisis,” Trump said. Noem will work closely with ”border czar” Tom Homan.
Trump has made the mass deportation of illegal immigrants a priority for his term in office. The Department of Homeland Security is responsible for, among other things, immigration and border protection.
Noem was sometimes considered a possible vice presidential candidate for Trump in recent months. But according to media reports, the idea was shelved after an episode from her memoir made negative headlines. The 52-year-old wrote that she shot her 14-month-old dog, Cricket, herself because she was not trained to be a hunting dog. Noem later insisted that her actions showed that she was not afraid to make tough decisions.
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Defense Policy Expert
Editor: Good morning, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have a fascinating topic at hand—the recent nomination of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense by President-elect Donald Trump. We’re joined by Dr. Laura Mitchell, a defense policy expert and a seasoned analyst of U.S. military affairs. Welcome, Dr. Mitchell!
Dr. Mitchell: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Pete Hegseth has made a name for himself as a Fox News host, co-hosting “Fox & Friends Weekend,” and now he’s stepping into one of the most critical roles in the U.S. government. What are your initial thoughts on this appointment?
Dr. Mitchell: It’s certainly an unconventional choice. Hegseth is known for his strong opinions and staunch support of military policies like “peace through strength.” His military background, having served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay, lends some credibility, but there are concerns regarding the transition from media to high-stakes governmental roles.
Editor: Trump has touted Hegseth as a “brave and patriotic champion” for the troops. How do you assess this rhetoric, especially in the context of Hegseth’s actual qualifications?
Dr. Mitchell: While Hegseth’s military service is commendable, effective leadership as Secretary of Defense requires more than just courage; it necessitates nuanced understanding of international relations, defense strategies, and the ability to work with allies. His experience in broadcasting does not directly translate to the complexities he’ll face in this role.
Editor: Speaking of Trump’s rhetoric, he mentioned that “America’s enemies have been warned.” How does such language affect international relations?
Dr. Mitchell: Language has power in diplomacy. Statements like these can be interpreted in various ways—while they may bolster national morale domestically, they can escalate tensions abroad. It’s crucial for leaders to balance assertive stances with diplomacy to maintain stability and avoid misunderstandings.
Editor: Notably, Trump has also chosen Kristi Noem to head the Department of Homeland Security. How does her appointment complement Hegseth’s nomination, in your opinion?
Dr. Mitchell: Noem’s appointment reflects Trump’s strategy of surrounding himself with loyal allies who share his views on national security and immigration policies. This could lead to a more cohesive approach to defense and homeland security. However, it may also reinforce a polarizing agenda that prioritizes rapid action over collaborative policy-making.
Editor: Hegseth has a long-standing friendship with Trump, having been a frequent guest on “Fox & Friends.” How might this personal relationship influence his decision-making as Secretary of Defense?
Dr. Mitchell: Personal relationships can create a double-edged sword. On one hand, Hegseth may feel more empowered to communicate honestly with Trump regarding military decisions. On the other hand, there’s a risk that decisions may be swayed by loyalty over strategic necessity. Trust is vital in defense, but it’s equally important to ensure that policymaking remains grounded in professional expertise.
Editor: There are differing opinions on whether media personalities should transition into influential political roles. What’s your take on this growing trend?
Dr. Mitchell: This trend speaks to the broader fusion of media and politics in today’s landscape. While media figures can bring public attention to critical issues, their lack of institutional knowledge and administrative experience can be problematic. It’s essential that such appointments be balanced with individuals who have a robust understanding of governance and military protocols.
Editor: What insights or changes would you recommend to ensure that these new appointees, like Hegseth and Noem, are set up for success in their roles?
Dr. Mitchell: I would suggest that both appointees undergo a thorough orientation process involving military and diplomatic advisors. Establishing clear lines of communication with career officials in the Defense Department is crucial to maintaining continuity and stability. Integrating diverse viewpoints into their decision-making processes is equally important to ensure well-rounded strategies.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mitchell. This has been a very informative discussion, shedding light on the implications of these appointments. We’ll be keeping a close eye on how Hegseth and Noem perform in their new roles.
Dr. Mitchell: My pleasure! I look forward to seeing how this all unfolds. Thank you for having me!