President-elect Donald Trump announced his selection of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, positioning the Army combat veteran and Fox News host at the helm of the Pentagon. Trump praised Hegseth’s lifelong dedication to the U.S. military and his commitment to the “America First” agenda.
“Pete Hegseth has spent his entire life as a warrior for our troops and our country,” Trump said in a statement. “He is tough, smart, and a true believer in America First. With Pete at the helm, our military will be stronger than ever, and America’s enemies are on notice: we will never back down.”
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Hegseth is a decorated Army combat veteran who served in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He holds a degree from Princeton University and a master’s degree from Harvard. For his service on the battlefield, Hegseth was awarded two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman’s Badge.
In addition to his military career, Hegseth has been a prominent media figure, hosting on Fox News for the past eight years. He has used his platform to advocate for veterans and active-duty service members. His book, “The War on Warriors,” became a New York Times bestseller, highlighting what he described as a left-wing betrayal of the U.S. military and calling for a return to a focus on merit, accountability, and excellence.
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Hegseth has also led two veterans advocacy organizations, championing the rights and needs of U.S. service members and veterans. His nomination signals Trump’s continued emphasis on a “Peace through Strength” policy, aiming to bolster U.S. military capabilities and deter adversaries.
“Nobody fights harder for our troops,” Trump added. “Pete will be a courageous and patriotic champion for our military and our veterans.”
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