Pete Hegseth is confirmed by the US Senate to be the newest Secretary of Defense under President Donald Trump, one of the critical moments in this administration’s leadership in the military. Hegseth, who is a retired military officer and a vocal conservative commentator, said he would strip the Pentagon of what he, along with the president, branded as “woke” policies – a shift for the US military on issues related to social justice and political correctness.
His confirmation is viewed as part of the broader effort of the Trump administration to place more emphasis on traditional values and the streamlining of the military focus on readiness, combat effectiveness, and national security. His strong views on political correctness within the armed forces have also struck a chord with many of Trump’s supporters, who believe that the move is a step in the right direction to reorient military focus.
As the defense secretary, Hegseth will have to work against the need for reforming the military by making them efficient in conducting operations along with protecting the open character of the armed forces. The strategy pursued may provoke additional internal debates within the armed forces and Congress over the course of diversity and inclusion policies.
With his confirmation now complete, all eyes will turn to Hegseth and see how he executes his vision for the US military in the coming years, with his leadership likely to impact the military’s cultural landscape.
