President-elect Donald Trump has announced significant appointments to his administration's Pentagon team, solidifying key positions as the nation approaches his inauguration. Among the most notable is the selection of billionaire financier Stephen Feinberg as deputy secretary of defense, alongside Pete Hegseth, the controversial pick for defense secretary.
Trump's email from Sunday revealed Feinberg, the co-founder and CEO of Cerberus Capital Management, would assume the Pentagon's No. 2 role, akin to chief operating officer. Feinberg's background includes overseeing investments across various sectors, including military and defense, notable for previously owning DynCorp International, which specializes in private military contracting.
Bringing risk with his choice, Trump has stated, "Stephen is an extremely successful businessman" and emphasized his potential to "Make the Pentagon Great Again." Feinberg’s lack of experience within the Defense Department raises eyebrows, especially as the previous deputy, Kathleen Hicks, had focused on modernization efforts.
Next to Feinberg is Pete Hegseth, whose nomination as defense secretary has been fraught with controversy. Hegseth, once known for his former role at Fox News and service as an Army National Guard officer, faces resistance due to allegations of sexual misconduct and alcohol abuse. Despite these issues, Trump remains steadfast, insisting Hegseth is “doing very well” and expressed his belief, saying, "He will be fantastic, leading with charisma and skill."
Hegseth's tumultuous history includes accusations stemming from two veterans organizations he previously led, alongside recent scrutiny about the alleged sexual assault investigation by Monterey police from 2017, which his lawyer claims resulted in no evidence found. With allegations hanging over his candidacy, the scrutiny from Senate committees could pose significant challenges to his confirmation.
Pete Hegseth's mother, Penelope, defended her son during his struggles on Fox & Friends, urging senators to ignore media portrayals and believe her son. She described Hegseth as “redeemed, forgiven, changed,” but declined to commit to testifying on his behalf during potential confirmation hearings.
The departure from established norms is evident as Trump's Pentagon appointments lean heavily on business experience. Michael Duffey, nominated as undersecretary for acquisition and sustainment, is expected to take charge of significant procurement decisions, even though he lacks the high-profile pedigree of his counterparts.
Trump's administration's approach aligns with the broader strategy of prioritizing business acumen, even as critics caution against the risks associated with appointing individuals with limited experience managing the Pentagon's complex operations. Trump’s inclination to combat “woke” initiatives and drive defense spending reforms may shift the Pentagon's focus to smaller, technologically innovative projects, potentially diverting resources from large traditional programs.
While notable figures like Elbridge Colby, selected for undersecretary for policy, are seasoned veterans of prior administrations, their effectiveness hinges on bridging the gap between business practices and military needs. Colby’s experience crafting Trump’s 2018 National Defense Strategy, emphasizing containment of China, highlights the new administration's foreign policy focus.
Despite strong backing from Trump, Hegseth's path forward requires winning over skeptical senators, particularly from his party, amid growing concerns articulated by fellow Republicans such as Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst. The dynamic around Hegseth’s nomination reflects Trump's broader struggles with present leadership and accountability within the Defense Department.
Correspondingly, the president-elect's selections showcase his reliance on individuals from non-military backgrounds to gain fresh perspectives on defense. Emil Michael, set to lead research and engineering, and Keith Bass, slated as assistant secretary for health affairs, are noted for their technology and health sector experience rather than traditional military careers.
Trump’s administration has exciting aspirations, as he champions plans to modernize America's military. With initiatives such as the Replicator program aimed at delivering cheaper drone technology to troops, the incoming administration appears poised to reshape defense priorities.
Nevertheless, the nomination of Hegseth remains under duress as various senators gather information on potential ramifications for the military's integrity and operational capacity. Fostering trust within the newly appointed individuals will be imperative if Trump aims to implement his sweeping defense reforms effectively.
Looking forward, scrutiny of Trump's Pentagon appointments will persist, driven by contrasting visions on national security, management efficacy, and accountability. Whether Hegseth can appease critics and earn the trust necessary for Senate confirmation remains to be seen.
Overall, Trump's approach champions leveraging business expertise to direct the future of military operations, even as it grapples with significant challenges and initiatives moving forward.
