Trump Nominates Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary in Cabinet

12 Nov at 8:12 pm

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Trump Nominates Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary in Cabinet \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ President-elect Donald Trump announced new cabinet picks Tuesday, naming Fox News host and Army veteran Pete Hegseth as defense secretary. Trump also appointed former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe as CIA head, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee as Israel ambassador, and longtime ally Steven Witkoff as special envoy to the Middle East. Trump’s appointments reflect his commitment to loyalty and a strategic focus on military strength and foreign policy alignment with Israel.

Trump Names Hegseth, Ratcliffe, Huckabee, and Witkoff for Strategic Defense & Foreign Policy Roles Quick Looks

Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary: Army veteran and Fox News host Hegseth, known for his strong support of veterans, is set to lead the Department of Defense.
John Ratcliffe for CIA: Former DNI Ratcliffe, a staunch Trump ally, is expected to bring his intelligence experience to the CIA, subject to Senate confirmation.
Mike Huckabee as Israel Ambassador: Longtime defender of Israel, Huckabee is positioned to strengthen U.S.-Israel ties amid ongoing regional conflicts.
Steven Witkoff as Middle East Envoy: Florida-based real estate mogul and Trump confidant to take on peace-building initiatives in the Middle East.
Bill McGinley as White House Counsel: Trump’s former Cabinet secretary returns as counsel, bringing continuity and legal strategy to the team.

Deep Look

In a series of high-profile cabinet announcements Tuesday, President-elect Donald Trump revealed his choice of key figures for his incoming administration, including nominating Army veteran and Fox News host Pete Hegseth as defense secretary. Trump’s latest round of appointments, which also includes former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe as CIA director, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee as ambassador to Israel, and real estate executive Steven Witkoff as a special envoy to the Middle East, reflects his commitment to a strategic, loyalty-focused leadership team. The swift appointments signal Trump’s intent to approach his second term with a more streamlined and decisive transition compared to 2016

Hegseth, a veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan who joined Fox News after an unsuccessful Senate run in 2012, has been a visible supporter of Trump and an advocate for veterans and military issues. Known for his defense of America’s armed forces, Hegseth will lead the Department of Defense at a time when Trump has pledged to strengthen U.S. military capabilities and pursue “peace through strength.” Trump described Hegseth’s approach as one that will keep “America’s enemies on notice.” Hegseth’s nomination reflects Trump’s aim to bring in loyal allies with a commitment to his defense policies, and Hegseth is expected to bring his strong voice for veterans and his media presence to the Pentagon.

Alongside Hegseth, Trump named John Ratcliffe as his choice to head the CIA. Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman and ally of Trump, previously served as Director of National Intelligence during the final months of Trump’s first term, overseeing the nation’s intelligence agencies through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ratcliffe, known for his transparency initiatives and public defense of Trump, is expected to pursue a “peace through strength” approach in intelligence, emphasizing national security priorities that align with Trump’s policies.

The nominations extended to foreign policy as well, with former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee tapped for the role of U.S. ambassador to Israel. Huckabee, a longtime advocate for Israel, has led numerous pro-Israel initiatives and organized tours to Israel, fostering strong ties with Israeli officials. Huckabee’s appointment comes as Trump seeks to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel’s security interests, particularly as tensions rise in Gaza and Lebanon. David Friedman, who served as Trump’s ambassador to Israel during his first term, expressed support for Huckabee’s nomination, citing his dedication to U.S.-Israel relations and his background as a “Leader in Faith.”

Also nominated was real estate executive Steven Witkoff as a special envoy to the Middle East, where he will be charged with promoting peace and stability across the region. Witkoff, a longtime Trump friend and advisor, shares a background in real estate with the president-elect and has been a loyal supporter. His appointment to this pivotal envoy role reflects Trump’s approach of entrusting diplomatic responsibilities to personal allies. Witkoff’s experience in finance and international dealings positions him to support Trump’s goals of fostering peace in the region, even as complex issues continue to develop between Israel, Palestine, and neighboring countries.

Completing the list of key appointees is Bill McGinley, returning as White House counsel after serving as Cabinet secretary during Trump’s first term. McGinley’s deep familiarity with Trump’s policy and legislative agenda makes him a strategic choice as Trump’s lead counsel, expected to guide the legal strategies of the administration. Known for his role in coordinating between Trump’s cabinet members, McGinley’s return signifies continuity and strength in Trump’s legal advisory team as he enters a second term.

Hegseth’s Vision for the Department of Defense

Hegseth’s military background and outspoken defense of veterans and active military personnel make him a clear fit for Trump’s vision of a strong, revitalized defense strategy. Through his advocacy work and media presence, Hegseth has consistently voiced his commitment to America’s military values and has criticized policies that he believes undermine the armed forces. Trump’s endorsement of Hegseth aligns with his focus on prioritizing military strength and addressing the needs of veterans.

Ratcliffe’s Track Record in Intelligence and Transparency

Ratcliffe, a seasoned intelligence official, has been a vocal Trump ally, rising to prominence for his vigorous defense during the first impeachment trial and his scrutiny of the Russia investigation. During his time as Director of National Intelligence, Ratcliffe championed transparency, declassifying certain intelligence documents—a move that garnered criticism but reinforced his image as an official committed to sharing intelligence in the public interest. As CIA director, Ratcliffe will likely continue this approach, aiming to align intelligence operations with Trump’s national security priorities

Huckabee’s Israel Ties and Middle East Peace Goals

Huckabee’s deep connections with Israel, strengthened over decades of diplomatic and advocacy work, make him a strategic choice for ambassador to Israel. His history of organized tours, pro-Israel advocacy, and conservative values resonate strongly within Trump’s foreign policy framework. With Huckabee as ambassador, Trump signals his continued support for Israel and positions his administration to foster a close alliance amid rising regional conflicts.

Steven Witkoff as Middle East Envoy

Witkoff’s role as special envoy is consistent with Trump’s approach of assigning trusted friends to critical international positions, mirroring his previous reliance on Jared Kushner and Jason Greenblatt. As a real estate executive with deep roots in business strategy, Witkoff is expected to support Trump’s goal of pursuing peace and cooperation in the region, working closely with Israeli and other Middle Eastern leaders to create diplomatic avenues and potential partnerships that align with U.S. interests.

This rapid round of appointments marks a departure from Trump’s first transition in 2016, which was often marred by public disagreements and internal debates. By quickly placing trusted allies in key roles, Trump is creating a stable and loyal team that reflects his vision for a robust national defense and strategic foreign policy.