WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s recent decision to nominate Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense has sparked a debate over Hegseth’s qualifications for the role. Critics have questioned Hegseth’s experience, arguing that his background as a television commentator and National Guard officer does not stack up to prior secretaries of defense, including Donald Rumsfeld, who held the position twice.
Once again, the mainstream media and the left are having an absolute meltdown.
However, Hegseth brings a unique and relevant set of skills that actually surpass those of Rumsfeld, making him a strong choice for the top Pentagon role.
Hegseth, an Army Major and veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, has a hands-on understanding of today’s military operations that Rumsfeld, despite his extensive government career, could not match.
Rumsfeld served as a Navy aviator in the 1950s and was later a captain in the Navy Reserve, but he never experienced combat or modern deployment challenges. Hegseth, by contrast, has led troops on the ground as an infantry platoon leader in both Iraq and Afghanistan, earning the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
His recent experience in active conflict zones gives him a valuable, first-hand perspective on the realities facing American soldiers today—an insight that many argue is critical in shaping effective defense policies.
“Pete Hegseth has been in the trenches, working alongside the men and women who serve our country in some of the world’s most dangerous regions,” said a senior advisor in the Trump administration. “This is someone who understands not only the strategic level but the very real human element of military leadership, something that can’t be taught in government roles or boardrooms.”
While Rumsfeld held various high-ranking positions prior to his appointments as Secretary of Defense, including roles in Congress and as White House Chief of Staff, he was often criticized for a top-down, bureaucratic approach that led to contentious outcomes, particularly during the Iraq War.
Hegseth, as a former executive director of Vets for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America, has proven himself to be an advocate for reform within the military and the Department of Veterans Affairs. His work with these organizations focused on improving conditions for veterans and holding the VA accountable—a skill set that may translate well to the Pentagon, which has faced its own challenges with accountability and bureaucratic inefficiencies.
Hegseth’s critics highlight his role as a political commentator for Fox News, suggesting it undermines his credibility as a defense leader. But Hegseth’s media presence has allowed him to directly connect with millions of Americans on issues of national security and defense policy, giving him a platform to advocate for the armed forces in a way that resonates with the public.
Supporters say that his ability to communicate defense priorities clearly and persuasively could prove an asset in a role that requires coordination across government branches and with the American public.
Despite his lack of traditional federal government roles, Hegseth’s trajectory mirrors that of other defense secretaries who brought unconventional backgrounds to the position. For example, James Mattis, who served as Trump’s first Secretary of Defense, was a career military officer with no prior federal civilian roles. Like Hegseth, Mattis was praised for his understanding of ground-level military operations and his ability to relate to active-duty soldiers and veterans alike.
Some also note that Hegseth’s age—he is currently 44—places him in a generational sweet spot, similar to Rumsfeld’s age when he first took the role at 43.
Hegseth’s relative youth, combined with his experience, is seen by advocates as an opportunity to bring fresh energy and modern perspectives to the Pentagon, in contrast to career politicians or older defense bureaucrats who may be more entrenched in outdated approaches.
Supporters argue that Hegseth’s combination of combat experience, leadership in veteran advocacy, and media outreach make him uniquely qualified for the role of Secretary of Defense. They believe he will bring a ground-level understanding of service members’ needs while pushing for accountability and efficiency within the Pentagon. Though he may lack the traditional government resume of predecessors like Rumsfeld, his supporters say his direct experience with the realities of war and his proven dedication to veterans are what make him the right choice for the position in today’s complex defense landscape.