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WASHINGTON, D.C. – A review by government watchdog Accountable.US found several former military and defense officials have criticized President-elect Trump’s nomination of Fox News personality, former non-profit leader repeatedly ousted for misconduct, accused rapist, and suspected white supremacist Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, citing his apparent willingness to politicize the military. 

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When it comes to knowing what’s best for America’s national security interests, there’s no better advice to heed than those who’ve served in the highest U.S. military ranks – and a growing number have deemed Pete Hegseth totally unfit to serve as Defense Secretary. It says more about President-elect Trump’s values in nominating Hegseth in the first place, willing to put our national security in the hands of someone so irresponsible, untrustworthy, and dangerous so long as he met Trump’s political loyalty test.” 

Accountable.US Executive Director Tony Carrk.

Roundup of High-Ranking Military Officials Speaking Out Against Hegseth: 

  • Eric Edelman, former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy (2005-2009): “It appears that one of the main criteria that’s being used is, how well do people defend Donald Trump on television?”
  • Paul Reickhoff, Founder of Independent Veterans of America: “Hegseth is undoubtedly the least qualified nominee for SecDef in American History. And the most overtly political. Brace yourself, America.” 
  • Sen.-elect Elissa Slotkin, former Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (2015-2017): “Our military and the role of the military is in the Constitution for a reason, and I think we’re really at risk of politicizing the military in a way that we can’t put the genie back in the bottle.”
  • Current and former high-ranking officials, including outgoing Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, have also criticized Hegseth’s claims that women should be barred from serving in combat roles in the military. 

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