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Newt Gingrich boldly endorses Pete Hegseth for Pentagon reform, igniting a firestorm of controversy and skepticism in Washington.
The GOP is rallying around Trump’s new strategy.
At a Glance
- President-elect Trump selects Pete Hegseth as Pentagon chief, surprising many in Washington
- Newt Gingrich praises the choice, calling for a “complete overhaul” of the Pentagon
- Hegseth’s selection raises concerns about qualifications and potential for divisive reforms
- Critics argue Hegseth is the least qualified nominee for Secretary of Defense in American history
- Gingrich warns of resistance from the existing military order to Hegseth’s appointment
Trump’s Unexpected Choice Shakes Up Washington
President-elect Donald Trump has selected conservative commentator and Fox News host Pete Hegseth as his Pentagon chief – and despite some concerns from establishment figures, much of the GOP seems to be on board with his decision. Including former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
Hegseth, a decorated Army veteran with service in Iraq and Afghanistan, brings a unique blend of military experience and media savvy to the role. However, his lack of extensive defense policy experience has raised eyebrows among both political allies and opponents. Critics argue that this appointment values loyalty over qualifications, potentially setting the stage for a contentious confirmation process.
Former Speaker Newt Gingrich has come out strongly in support of Hegseth’s appointment, framing it as a necessary step towards reforming what he sees as an outdated and inefficient military bureaucracy. Gingrich’s endorsement underscores a growing sentiment among some conservatives that the Pentagon is in dire need of structural and strategic reforms.
“I’m watching President Trump create the most reform-oriented cabinet in my lifetime,” Gingrich recently said.
Gingrich’s praise for Hegseth is not without caveats. He warns that the nominee will face significant challenges from the existing military establishment, stating, “It’s going to take enormous courage and resilience on the part of Pete Hegseth to survive over there because the whole old order is going to try to destroy him.”
Trump has a fight on his hands – but it’s worth it if he can make it happen.
While Gingrich and other supporters see Hegseth’s outsider status as an asset, many defense analysts and veterans groups have expressed serious concerns about his qualifications for the role of Secretary of Defense. Critics point to his limited experience in defense policy and lack of relationships with international allies as potential weaknesses.
“Hegseth is undoubtedly the least qualified nominee for SecDef in American history. And the most overtly political. Brace yourself, America.” – Paul Rieckhoff, the founder of Independent Veterans of America, said in an X post.
As Hegseth prepares for what is expected to be a contentious confirmation hearing, the debate over his appointment reflects broader questions about the future direction of American defense policy. Gingrich’s call for a “complete overhaul” of the Pentagon, including potential executive orders for external reviews of military ranks, signals a desire for sweeping changes that could reshape the military landscape.
“I’ve been actively involved in thinking about and working on defense for an extraordinarily long time. And I can tell you, the building needs a very complete overhaul,” Gingrich said.