Portrait
Army veteran, <a href="https://time.news/donald-trump-fox-news-pete-hegseth-to-be-secretary-of-defense/" title="Donald Trump: Fox News' Pete Hegseth to be Secretary of Defense”>Fox News presenter, no government experience – that’s the profile of the nominee for US Secretary of Defense. With him at the helm, America’s enemies have been warned, Trump said. Who is the man?
Fox News presenter Laura Ingraham heard that the personnel changes also surprised her: her colleague Pete Hegseth is to head the Pentagon. “Oh wow, that’s totally cool,” she said publicly.
The 44-year-old is known to millions of Fox News viewers, but few in America, although Hegseth has already appeared as an expert on veterans’ issues at a congressional hearing.
Trump’s defender
Peter Brian Hegseth, born in 1980, is a graduate of Princeton and Harvard, a former soldier who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, a lobbyist for veterans, and a Trump supporter since he burst into the political world. “Trump is a president who said he wanted to make America great again — against the forces of the left,” Hegseth explained.
Hegseth has been working for Fox News since 2014. He has repeatedly defended the President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, but dismissed his accusations as purely politically motivated. Like Trump, Hegseth has been divorced twice and married three times.
“Unqualified loyalist”
That’s exactly what he feared: that Trump would build a personal sphere of power with unqualified loyalists.
“There is still a test of character to come”
But is Hegseth really unqualified? In any case, his broadcaster hopes for the reserve officer: “He will clean up the left-wing military,” Fox News presenter Katie Pavlich hopes.
And John Bolton, Trump’s disgraced former national security adviser, says Hegseth’s most important job is to ensure increased military spending in uncertain times.
History will judge Hegseth’s time as minister on the defense budget, Bolton said on CNN, which is hard to predict with Trump.
And yet: The test of character for the future Secretary of Defense will come if Trump issues the illegal, immoral and unconstitutional military orders.
Title: The Future of Defense: An Interview with Peter Hegseth
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, everyone. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Peter Hegseth, newly nominated for the position of U.S. Secretary of Defense. Peter, thank you for joining us.
Peter Hegseth: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Peter, your appointment has certainly raised eyebrows, given your background as a Fox News presenter and the fact that you have no formal government experience. What do you say to critics who doubt your qualifications for this important role?
Hegseth: I understand the skepticism. However, my experience as an Army veteran, along with my work advocating for veterans and national security issues, has provided me with a unique understanding of the challenges our military faces. I believe that perspective is essential when looking at defense policies.
Editor: You have been a vocal supporter of President Trump. How do you plan to align the Department of Defense with his vision for America?
Hegseth: President Trump’s motto of making America great again resonates deeply with me, and I plan to uphold that vision by focusing on military readiness, enhancing our national defense capabilities, and ensuring that our troops have the resources they need. Strong leadership is essential during challenging times, especially with the threats facing our nation today.
Editor: It’s clear your time on Fox News has given you a platform to voice your opinions. How do you think that experience will translate into your role at the Pentagon?
Hegseth: My years at Fox taught me how to communicate complex issues to the American public effectively. I want to ensure transparency and engage with citizens to build trust in our military operations. I also want to bring a fresh perspective to the Pentagon that values open dialogue and innovative solutions.
Editor: You mentioned military readiness. What specific changes or initiatives do you foresee prioritizing if confirmed?
Hegseth: First and foremost, I want to focus on modernizing our armed forces. This includes investing in technology, improving training programs, and enhancing our cyber defense capabilities. It’s crucial that we remain ahead of our adversaries and adapt to the evolving global landscape.
Editor: Many have noted that your approach may lean toward a more aggressive defense strategy. How would you address concerns about this view potentially escalating tensions with other countries?
Hegseth: Strength does often serve as a deterrent, but I believe in a balanced approach. We need to be prepared to respond to threats assertively, but diplomacy must also play a critical role in our foreign relations. I am committed to a strategy that emphasizes both strength and negotiation.
Editor: You have three marriages under your belt, which has brought your personal life into the public eye. How do you plan to compartmentalize your public persona while leading such a significant department?
Hegseth: My family has always been my anchor. They understand the demands of public life and support my ambitions. I’ll maintain a clear line between my private and professional life, as effective leadership at the Pentagon requires full commitment and focus.
Editor: Lastly, what message do you want to convey to the men and women in uniform and their families?
Hegseth: I want them to know that I’m dedicated to serving their needs and ensuring that their sacrifices are recognized. I will work tirelessly to advocate for policies that protect our service members and their families. Their well-being and readiness are at the forefront of everything I do.
Editor: Peter, thank you for sharing your insights and vision with us today. We look forward to seeing how you lead the Department of Defense in the coming months.
Hegseth: Thank you for having me. It’s an honor to discuss these critical issues.
