According to CNN, the decision was based on Trump’s long-standing connection with Hegseth, who was always regarded by the president-elect as “smart” and pleased by his professional background. Additionally, Trump appreciates Hegseth’s military experience and the book’s description of his duty.
Even though Hegseth’s name wasn’t on the original shortlist, Trump was having trouble selecting a candidate for the position, and he liked Hegseth from his previous term when he briefly considered him to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs before receiving a warning that the Senate might not confirm him.
Sources involved with the talks told CNN that Hegseth’s selection was unexpected since members of Trump’s staff did not view him as a likely choice.
It came down to Trump and Hegseth’s long-standing relationship, according to sources, who also mentioned that the president-elect always admired his career and believed he was “smart.” According to the sources, Trump also appreciates Hegseth’s military background and the details of his service in his book.
Trump was having trouble selecting a candidate for the position, and he liked Hegseth from his previous term when he briefly considered him to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs before being warned that he might not be confirmed by the Senate, according to a source familiar with the matter. Hegseth’s name had not been on the original shortlist.
According to one insider, Trump also believes he has the appearance.
According to the sources, Trump’s choice took many people in his inner circle by surprise. The Fox News personality has been interviewing for the position for the past 24 hours, and according to a Trump adviser, Hegseth didn’t become a front-runner for the position until Monday.
Hegseth’s appointment marks a significant shift from Trump’s first-term defense secretary selections, which included an Army secretary (Mark Esper) and a four-star general (James Mattis) to head the Pentagon. However, after Mattis left and Esper was fired, Trump became resentful of both secretaries and harshly critical of both.
Everyone is really stunned, a defense official told CNN. Like others who spoke to CNN on condition of anonymity, another Pentagon official who was keeping tabs on the possible defense secretary nominees only found out about Hegseth’s candidacy in the final hours before the nomination and was unsure of how to respond.
Even some former Trump officials who have kept in touch with the transition and maintained close relationships with former colleagues were taken by surprise. Another former Trump staffer expressed their disbelief at the decision and predicted that an attempt will be made to “take him down.”
In fact, Trump’s selection of Hegseth has probably sparked what may be his first acrimonious confirmation battle for a Cabinet member. Trump’s nominations can only afford to lose a few Republicans in order to be confirmed, even if Senate Republicans who have recently taken the majority are expected to show deference to his choices.
When Alaska Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski learned Tuesday night that Trump had appointed the Fox News host to head the Pentagon, she exclaimed, “Wow.” Indiana Republican Sen. Todd Young, who has occasionally criticized Trump, stated that he was interested in finding out more about the potential nominee.
“I simply don’t know a lot about his vision or background. I’m eager to find out more. He stated, “I want to give each of President Trump’s nominees an equal chance to outline their credentials and goals.”
Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican from North Carolina, said simply, “Interesting.”
Trump touted his battle record, his time as a Fox News personality, and his best-selling book in a statement unveiling Hegseth.
