Author and Fox News host Pete Hegseth has been selected by President-elect Donald Trump as the defense secretary to lead the world’s largest and most powerful military.
A military veteran, Hegseth served overseas in Afghanistan and Iraq, but he lacks senior military experience and is untested on the world stage.
Hegseth’s nomination comes at a critical point. The U.S. Navy is getting ready for a potential conflict with China over Taiwan in three years. And the military has been reviving World War II-era airfields as part of its preparation.
If Hegseth is confirmed by the Senate, China is expected to be one of his top priorities.
He has said that China is building an army specifically dedicated to defeating the United States, adding that the United States is always a decade behind.
Hegseth also commented on China’s effort to corner the market on technology. “We can’t even drive our cars without the stuff we need out of China these days. So China has a full spectrum long-term view of not just regional but global domination,” he said.
Hegseth is one of several cabinet nominees Trump has selected in recent days, including Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) as secretary of state and Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) as national security advisor.