Trump Picks Fox News Host Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary

WASHINGTON, Nov 13 (Reuters) – US President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host and military veteran, to be his Defense Secretary. Hegseth, 44, who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, will take charge of the US military in his first political role.

Trump announced the decision on Tuesday, calling Hegseth “tough, smart, and a true believer in America First.” Hegseth’s appointment is part of a series of security-related picks by Trump after his win in last week’s election.

Hegseth joins other key appointments, including John Ratcliffe, nominated to head the CIA. If the Senate approves Hegseth’s nomination, he will face important decisions on military aid, including support for Israel in its conflict with Gaza and continued US help for Ukraine against Russia.

Trump has stated his desire for the US to reduce its involvement in foreign wars and criticized the Biden administration’s spending on Ukraine during the campaign.