File photo: Pete Hegseth ( Picture credit: AP )
Donald Trump, the president-elect, announced on Tuesday that he has chosen former critic Pete Hegseth as his secretary of defense.
The name of Hegseth in Trump’s case came after the President-elect chose some hardliners in his staff like Marco Rubio, Tom Homan, Kristi Noem and many more.
Who is Pete Hegseth?
- Pete Hegseth is a popular American television character, artist, and traditional social critic, best known for his role as a number on Fox News.
- Born on June 6, 1980, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Hegseth grew up in a traditional family that shaped his opinions on politics and regional values.
- As per the news agency Reuters, Trump had praised Hegseth as” strong, intelligent, and a true believer in America First”, emphasising his potential to make the US defense” Great Again”.
- Hegseth’s social science studies at Princeton University helped him develop his intellectual stances.
- After completing his education, Hegseth joined the US Army National Guard, serving as a military commander. In the first few months of his military service, he first-hand knowledge of operations and authority in Iraq and Afghanistan. His opinions on soldiers ‘ and national security concerns were influenced by his time serving in the military, which he later incorporated into his media job.
- Following his defense company, Hegseth transitioned into a career in media and political criticism. He became a frequent contributor to Fox News, where his traditional beliefs found a following.
- He became a co-host on Fox & Friends Weekend, which helped establish him as one of the most influential liberal voices on television. His remark typically focuses on issues such as loyalty, military assistance, and national protection, drawing from his own encounters in the Army.
- In addition to his position at Fox News, Hegseth authored a book titled’ In the Arena: Fine Citizens, a Great Republic’, and ‘ How One Speech Can Change the World ‘, published in 2016. His broader political philosophy is reflected in the book, which also reflects his convictions about the value of political engagement and public services.
- He has also gained popularity as a public speech, frequently speaking on issues like supporting military officers and American exceptionalism.
- In traditional circles, Hegseth has come to know as a resolute and occasionally questionable figure. He has frequently criticized liberal policies and media outlets and has a vociferous support for past president Donald Trump.
- His thoughts, particularly on topics like political accuracy, gun rights, and American values, have sparked controversy, with both strong aid and major reaction from critics.
- Throughout his private career, Hegseth has been married twice. He is now married to Jennifer Rauchet, a supplier at Fox News, and the couple has children along. Hegseth’s private life, including his family and his opinions, usually makes its way into his public image, with glances shared on social media.
- Hegseth has been strongly critical of Nato, calling Western friends “outdated, outgunned, invaded, and impotent”, and has expressed disappointment over the US carrying the burden of Nato army.
- Hegseth has described Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine as” Putin’s give-me-my-s**t-back warfare” and expressed concerns about serious US presence in the fight.
- He has echoed Trump’s condemnation of President Biden’s support to Ukraine, suggesting that if Ukraine does defend itself, the US does not act greatly in Europe.
