President-elect Donald Trump’s choice of Fox News host and Army National Guard veteran Pete Hegseth as defense secretary caught some Republican senators off guard.
While Trump described Hegseth as “tough, smart, and a true believer in America First,” several lawmakers admitted knowing little about him.
Senators like Lisa Murkowski and Bill Cassidy expressed surprise, with Cassidy asking, “Who?” Others, including Joni Ernst and Ted Budd, voiced confidence in Hegseth’s qualifications and predicted a smooth confirmation process.
Hegseth, a combat veteran with service in Afghanistan and Iraq, will face Senate approval for the role, which includes leading the Pentagon under the incoming Republican-controlled chamber.
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