Meet Pete Hegseth: The ‘recovering neocon’ who’s been tapped for defense secretary

President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Pete Hegseth for Defense secretary has sent shock waves through the national security establishment. Hegseth, a former Army National Guard officer, stands out from other Defense secretaries with his outspoken criticism of the institution he is set to lead. With a background as a culture warrior, on-air commentator, and author, Hegseth’s confirmation hearing will undoubtedly showcase his publicly shared views.

In a recent podcast interview, Hegseth described himself as a “recovering neocon” and admitted to being a staunch supporter of the Iraq War in the past, but now regrets his stance. He has been vocal about his disillusionment with the Pentagon’s approach to counterinsurgency and the lack of trust in political leaders and generals. Despite his military credentials as a junior officer and his academic background, some critics question his lack of senior-level leadership experience within the Defense Department.

Hegseth’s career trajectory has seen him lead advocacy groups focused on Iraq War support and veterans’ affairs reform. His military service includes roles as a platoon leader at Guantanamo Bay, leading a platoon in Baghdad, and serving as a civil-military operations officer in Samarra. While some view his relative youth and lack of institutional experience as potential weaknesses, others see it as an opportunity for fresh perspectives in leadership.

One of Hegseth’s notable positions is his opposition to “woke” programs within the Pentagon, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as women in combat roles. He successfully lobbied for the pardon of service members convicted or accused of war crimes under the Trump administration. Additionally, he has called for the firing of Gen. C.Q. Brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, citing concerns about a perceived “woke” agenda.

Critics, including Democrats and national security experts, have raised concerns about Hegseth’s qualifications and his background as a television commentator. Allegations of sexual assault from 2017 have also resurfaced, adding another layer of controversy to his nomination process. Despite these challenges, Hegseth remains determined to bring his unique perspective to the role of Defense secretary.

As the confirmation process unfolds, Hegseth’s past experiences, military service, and controversial views will be closely scrutinized. His potential appointment as Defense secretary would mark a significant departure from traditional leadership roles within the Department of Defense. Only time will tell how Hegseth’s unconventional background will shape the future of the nation’s defense strategy.