(Jonah Elkowitz / Shutterstock)
President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Pete Hegseth, co-host of FOX & Friends Weekend, for secretary of defense quickly ignited mockery across social media, with many critics describing the choice as “unserious” and even akin to a headline in The Onion.
Fox News confirmed Hegseth’s nomination on Tuesday night, following Trump’s official announcement. “I am honored to announce that I have nominated Pete Hegseth to serve in my Cabinet as The Secretary of Defense,” Trump stated. “Pete has spent his entire life as a Warrior for the Troops, and for the Country. Pete is tough, smart, and a true believer in America First.”
Hegseth, an Army combat veteran with service in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Guantanamo Bay, holds two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman Badge. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in politics from Princeton University and a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University. Despite his military experience and academic credentials, however, many online commentators were quick to criticize his nomination.
The backlash was swift on social media platform X, where critics questioned Hegseth’s qualifications for the top defense role. Former Tea Party congressman Joe Walsh tweeted, “An utterly unserious pick. A middle finger to everyone who currently serves in the U.S. Armed Services.” Luke Zaleski, legal affairs editor for Condé Nast, added to the ridicule, joking, “This was an Onion headline yesterday.”
CNN’s Jim Acosta also weighed in, commenting, “In a sign he has been making his cabinet selections while watching TV, Trump picks Fox anchor Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense.” The sentiment was echoed by Democratic strategist Chris D. Jackson, who simply stated, “Literally a Fox News host. Unbelievable.”
Former GOP Representative Adam Kinzinger joined the chorus, writing, “Wow. Trump picking Pete Hegseth is the most hilariously predictably stupid thing.” The criticism largely centered on the view that Hegseth, despite his military credentials, is primarily known as a television personality and staunch Trump supporter, with many questioning whether his experience truly qualifies him for a role as significant as secretary of defense.
The response highlights the deep political polarization surrounding Trump’s cabinet appointments, as supporters praise Hegseth’s military background and loyalty to Trump’s “America First” vision, while detractors see his nomination as part of Trump’s pattern of selecting close allies from conservative media.
As Trump prepares to assume office, Hegseth’s nomination adds to the debate over the qualifications and political alignments of key cabinet picks, raising questions about the direction and priorities of the upcoming administration.
