### Pentagon Unsettled by Trump’s Defense Secretary Pick, Pete Hegseth

Donald Trump's decision to nominate Pete Hegseth, a Fox News presenter and national guard veteran, as defense secretary has left the Pentagon bewildered. Hegseth, known for his controversial views on military leadership, has openly criticized senior officials for promoting diversity initiatives. He has specifically targeted Gen Charles Brown, the chair of the joint chiefs of staff, questioning whether Brown's top position was due to his merit or his race.

Hegseth's military background includes service as a prison guard at Guantánamo Bay and participation in missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Despite these credentials, his jump to potentially managing the extensive U.S. military apparatus—comprising 1.3 million active-duty personnel and about 1 million civilian employees—has raised eyebrows due to his limited managerial experience. His outspoken right-wing stance and previous critiques of military policy add another layer of controversy.

Adam Smith, the leading Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, expressed serious reservations about Hegseth’s suitability for the role. "There is reason for concern that this is not a person who is a serious enough policymaker, serious enough policy implementer, to do a successful job," Smith commented.

Military insiders have echoed these sentiments. According to the Army Times, unnamed senior military officials have described Hegseth's nomination as "out of the blue." They worry about his capacity to handle a department operating with a budget exceeding $800 billion.

During his first term, Trump often clashed with his Pentagon appointees. However, Hegseth appears to align closely with Trump’s views, indicating a possible shift towards more drastic changes within the military hierarchy. In his memoir, Hegseth argued for a comprehensive overhaul of Pentagon leadership, stating, "Lots of people need to be fired."

One particular concern among top military officials is the potential for Hegseth to assist Trump in penalizing generals and senior officers who were perceived as disloyal. Notably, there are fears that Mark Milley, the former chair of the joint chiefs of staff who defied Trump’s orders to deploy troops against protesters, might be recalled for a court-martial.

As Congress and the Pentagon grapple with the implications of Hegseth's nomination, the military community braces for possible upheaval and realignment under the new leadership.