Pete Hegseth and his qualifications for being US Secretary of Defense were questioned by analyst Stephen A. Smith, as he described Hegseth as someone who jumped from “weekend host” to Defense Secretary.
In one of his recent videos, Stephen A. Smith blasted US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth over his lackluster resume prior to being appointed to office.
“Now, see, I don’t want to sit up there and get in the Pete Hegseth,” Smith said. “He served our country honorably. He was a weekend host on Fox News. All I ever said was, ‘How do you go from a weekend host on Fox News to overseeing our national defense as defense secretary? Overseeing three and a half million people? How are you qualified to do that? How are you qualified to do that?’ That’s all I ever said.”
“I’m not wishing anything bad on him. I’m not wishing him to fail.”
Pete Hegseth’s appointment as Secretary of Defense under Donald Trump‘s administration sparked widespread criticism due to his unconventional background. Hegseth, a former Fox News commentator and National Guard officer, was seen by many as lacking the extensive national security and defense experience typically required for the role.
Critics argued that his primary qualifications appeared to be his loyalty to Trump and his outspoken support for the administration’s “America First” agenda, rather than a deep understanding of military strategy or governance. This led to concerns about whether he was equipped to oversee the Pentagon’s vast responsibilities, including managing a budget of over $850 billion and leading millions of service members.
Despite the criticism, Hegseth’s supporters pointed to his military service, which included three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, as evidence of his dedication to the troops. They also praised his media presence, arguing that his ability to communicate effectively could help bridge the gap between the military and the public.
Pete Hegseth Remains “Secure,” Despite Controversies
Pete Hegseth remains secure in his position as Secretary of Defense despite the controversies surrounding his use of the Signal app to share sensitive military information. His survival in the role is largely attributed to President Donald Trump’s unwavering support.
Trump has dismissed the allegations as “fake news” and defended Hegseth’s actions as part of a broader effort to “put the Pentagon back in the hands of war fighters.” With this, critics argue that as long as Pete Hegseth remains loyal and avoids directly opposing Trump, his position appears secure
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Sabel has been working as a field reporter for People’s Television Network (PTV), mainly about the Philippine Basketball Association since 2016 and has been elevated to Executive Producer for sports in 2022. Aside from being on top of the Philippine sports scene, she is also a running enthusiast. You can also follow her on X at @SabelReyes2 and Instagram at @msabelreyes.
