### Gretchen Carlson Critiques Pete Hegseth's Defense Secretary Nomination

Former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson has expressed strong doubt about the qualifications of Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for defense secretary, suggesting that he is not suited for any high-ranking position within the administration. Carlson, who previously worked with Hegseth at Fox News, voiced her surprise and concern over the nomination.

Carlson's apprehensions were heightened by reports alleging that Hegseth was investigated for sexual assault in 2017. She took to social media to clarify her stance, linking to one of these reports and reiterating why she believes Hegseth is unqualified for the crucial defense role.

Gretchen Carlson has been an outspoken figure against workplace harassment, stemming from her own experience in 2016 when she filed a lawsuit against Fox News’ former chief executive, Roger Ailes. Carlson claimed she was terminated from her position after she refused Ailes’ sexual advances and made complaints about harassment within the company. Her lawsuit was a significant challenge to one of the most influential figures in the media, with Ailes having established Fox News Channel in the 1990s and transforming it into a dominant force in news broadcasting.

Pete Hegseth, aged 44, is a vigorous supporter of Trump's "America First" policies and has openly criticized programs that promote equity and inclusion within the military. He has also questioned the involvement of women in combat roles, arguing that it complicates military operations and increases casualties. This perspective aligns closely with Trump’s own views against what he terms as "woke" programs.

Currently co-hosting "Fox & Friends Weekend" and contributing to Fox News since 2014, Hegseth has developed a close rapport with Trump, who frequently featured on his show. Before his media career, Hegseth served as an infantry captain in the Army National Guard, with tours in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Additionally, he led the Concerned Veterans for America, an organization supported by conservative billionaires Charles and David Koch, and mounted an unsuccessful Senate bid in Minnesota in 2012.

Hegseth's nomination signals potential significant changes for the military, especially given his advocacy for making the armed forces more lethal and his stance on contentious issues such as women in combat and the pardoning of service members charged with war crimes. Carlson's critique adds another layer of scrutiny to his possible appointment, highlighting concerns over his suitability for such a pivotal role in national defense.