Washington, D.C. – Former President Donald Trump has reportedly shown strong interest in nominating conservative commentator Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, reigniting discussions on gender, diversity, and leadership qualifications in the military. Hegseth, a 44-year-old Trump ally and advocate of “America First” policies, recently voiced controversial opinions on women in combat roles during an appearance on “The Shawn Ryan Show” podcast.
Hegseth argued that allowing women to serve in combat roles complicates military operations and compromises battlefield effectiveness. “Everything about men and women serving together makes the situation more complicated, and complication in combat…means casualties are worse,” he said. While acknowledging diversity as a strength, Hegseth contended that physical disparities between men and women could hinder combat performance. “By opening combat slots to women, we’ve changed the standards…which means you’ve changed the capability of that unit,” he added.
Since then-Defense Secretary Ash Carter opened combat roles to women in 2016, female soldiers have passed some of the military’s toughest tests, qualifying as Green Berets, Army Rangers, and Naval combatant-craft crew members. Hegseth’s remarks have reignited a debate about these advancements, prompting supporters of gender equality to express concern over a potential rollback of hard-won gains if he assumes a leadership role.
President Trump, however, has doubled down on his support for Hegseth, praising him as “tough, smart, and a true believer in America First.” Trump’s interest in Hegseth comes amid growing speculation over who might lead the Pentagon should he win re-election, with other potential picks reportedly including Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), and former Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie.
Not everyone in Washington shares Trump’s enthusiasm for Hegseth. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, questioned Hegseth’s suitability, suggesting he lacks the policy depth needed for such a critical role. “There is reason for concern that this is not a person who is a serious enough policymaker…to do a successful job,” Smith commented.
Mark Cancian, a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, also expressed concerns, pointing out that Hegseth’s lack of senior national security experience could make Senate confirmation more difficult. “I think Trump was tired of fighting with his secretaries of defense and picked one who would be loyal to him,” Cancian observed.
Hegseth’s nomination could add strain to an already complex Defense Department with a budget exceeding $800 billion, 1.3 million active-duty troops, and another 1.4 million personnel in the National Guard, Reserves, and civilian roles. His potential tenure would come as the U.S. confronts various crises, from Middle Eastern conflicts and the Russia-Ukraine war to escalating tensions with China. Critics question whether Hegseth’s background equips him to handle the Pentagon’s extensive responsibilities.
While Hegseth’s combat experience could be an asset, Smith noted that running the Pentagon demands diverse skill sets beyond battlefield knowledge. “What’s your plan? What are you going to do?” Smith asked. “How can you assure us that that lack of experience…isn’t going to make it impossible for you to do the job?”
Even among Republican senators, reactions have been mixed. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) called the choice “interesting,” and Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), a former Marine, expressed a desire to learn more about Hegseth’s vision. Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) voiced support for Hegseth, noting Trump’s close relationship with him. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) also commended Hegseth’s “reform-minded” outlook.
Hegseth, a Fox News contributor since 2014 and author of The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free, has long championed policies he sees as bolstering military readiness and efficiency. Trump emphasized his confidence in Hegseth’s loyalty and capability, stating, “With Pete at the helm, America’s enemies are on notice — Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down.”
Should Hegseth receive the nomination, he will face rigorous scrutiny in the Senate, where questions about his experience, views on gender integration in the military, and overall vision for the Department of Defense will likely dominate confirmation hearings.
