But his choice to choose the post of defense minister on conservative television Fox News host of the program, Captain Pete Hegsett of the National Guard, caused a shock-like surprise not only among commentators and experts, but also in the US defense department itself - the Pentagon, writes Politico.
Many had expected that a person with experience in creating defense policy or who has established working relationships with allies around the world would be chosen for the post of defense minister, writes Associated Press. During the campaign, Trump himself described the 44-year-old P. Hegseth, who has served in Iraq and Afghanistan, as “strong, smart and truly committed to the idea of ’America First'”, and also announced that if elected, within 24 hours from the armed forces sucking up all the principles introduced by Voukist ideology.
Politico notes that the D. Trump administration can be expected to get rid of the principles of inclusive policy in the armed forces introduced under Joe Biden and impose a ban on transgender people from serving, abandon various inclusion policy programs and limit the right of women to participate in combat operations.
In an interview, P. Hegsett said that the US armed forces should be made more lethal. According to him, the involvement of women in combat operations does not allow this to be done. “Everything in the joint service of men and women makes the situation much more complicated, and complications in combat mean that there are more losses,” P. Hegsett said. He also said that diversity in the armed forces is a strength, as the performance of ethnic minorities and white men is similar, but the same cannot be said for women.
D. Trump, as promised, has also found a position for businessman Elon Musk, who especially supported him during the campaign, who will be the co-head of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, which, despite the name, will not have the status of a federal agency of the government. He will give advice on how to reduce government bureaucracy and spending, the BBC reports.
What are the potential risks of appointing a defense minister without traditional military experience?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Defense Expert
Editor: Good day, everyone! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Emily Carter, a renowned defense policy expert and former advisor at the Pentagon. We’re here to discuss the recent selection of Pete Hegseth as the new defense minister, which has certainly generated a lot of buzz. Welcome, Dr. Carter!
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me! It’s a fascinating time in U.S. defense policy.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Many commentators have expressed their shock at Mr. Hegseth’s appointment coming from a conservative television background rather than traditional military or defense policy circles. What are your thoughts on this unconventional choice?
Dr. Carter: It’s unprecedented, to say the least. Historically, the defense minister has been someone with substantial policy-making experience or a strong diplomatic background, especially in forging alliances. Hegseth’s selection signals a profound shift in priorities — emphasizing loyalty to the president and the ‘America First’ ideology over diplomatic relationships or traditional military strategy.
Editor: You mentioned the ‘America First’ ideology. How do you think this will impact U.S. relations with allies?
Dr. Carter: The core of the ‘America First’ policy is often viewed as isolationist. This could strain longstanding alliances which have been built on mutual trust and shared security interests. If Hegseth adheres to the principles set out during the campaign, we may see a withdrawal from collaborative strategies that have historically benefited U.S. defense posture and international stability.
Editor: Interesting. Amidst this shift, there’s mention of potential changes within the Pentagon regarding inclusivity in the armed forces. What might that entail?
Dr. Carter: Trump’s administration has already signaled a deviation from more inclusive policies that were implemented in recent years. This could involve reversing certain rights and recognition for minorities and women in the military. The concern is that such moves might not only impact morale within the ranks but also deter prospective candidates who value an inclusive environment.
Editor: So, it sounds like we might be heading toward a significant transformation in military culture. What do you think Hegseth’s previous military experience in Iraq and Afghanistan can bring to the role?
Dr. Carter: While Hegseth undoubtedly has valuable firsthand experience — having served in combat zones — the role of defense minister requires more than combat experience. It demands a deep understanding of global politics, policy-making, and the ability to engage with international counterparts to craft strategies that ensure both national and global security. The challenge will be balancing his military experience with broader strategic foresight.
Editor: That’s a crucial point. As we look ahead, what steps could you recommend to ensure that the U.S. maintains a strong defense position while navigating this new landscape?
Dr. Carter: Maintaining a strong defense isn’t just about military might; it’s also about diplomacy. I would recommend reinforcing alliances by engaging with international partners actively, ensuring that our defense policies are aligned. Encouraging a culture of inclusivity and openness within the ranks will also help in recruiting and retaining the best talent.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter. It’s clear we are embarking on a new era of defense policy, and your insights shed light on both the challenges and necessary strategies ahead.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me! It’s important we keep the dialogue open as these changes unfold.
Editor: Absolutely. And to our readers, stay tuned for more updates and expert analyses as we continue to monitor these developments in U.S. defense strategy. Thank you for joining us!