He was just a TV presenter - This is Trump's new Secretary of Defense

Washington D.C. - US President-electDonald Trump (78) has caused a stir with several personnel decisions shortly before a meeting with incumbent Joe Biden (81) at the White House.

Just seven years ago, former FOX News presenter Pete Hegseth (44) interviewed the new President Donald Trump (78).
Just seven years ago, former FOX News presenter Pete Hegseth (44) interviewed the new President Donald Trump (78).  © Andrew Harnik/AP

Trump surprisingly announced that he wants to appoint a TV presenter as Secretary of Defense in times of great international tensions and military conflicts: Pete Hegseth (44) is primarily known to viewers of the right-wing conservative TV channel Fox News and was once a soldier himself, but has no political experience or expertise in national security.

Tech billionaire Elon Musk (53), on the other hand - in an unusual role outside the government but in cooperation with the White House - is to help Trump cut spending and reduce bureaucracy.

This appointment is also highly controversial, as the richest person in the world and boss of various companies could be suspected of having a number of conflicts of interest - and as head of the online platform X, he also has enormous reach to influence public opinion.

Change of office from Biden to Trump in 2025

There were repeated heated exchanges between Donald Trump (78, left) and Joe Biden (81, right).
There were repeated heated exchanges between Donald Trump (78, left) and Joe Biden (81, right).  © Gerald Herbert/AP/dpa

The President-elect announced further decisions on senior personnel, such as the head of the Department of Homeland Security, and is thus setting the pace in putting together his government team. Trump is due to replace Biden in the White House on January 20.

Part of the complex procedure for the transition of power is a meeting between the incumbent president and his chosen successor in the Oval Office of the White House, which is scheduled for today.

It is still unclear whether the Republicans will have the say in both chambers of parliament in future.

They have already secured a majority in the Senate. Many of Trump's appointments must be confirmed there.

Military experience is enough to become Pentagon chief

The new Defense Minister Pete Hegseth (44) has no experience in politics to date.
The new Defense Minister Pete Hegseth (44) has no experience in politics to date.  © Evan Vucci/AP/dpa

The candidate for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, has no political experience apart from an unsuccessful bid for a seat in the Minnesota State Senate - but is set to head one of the most important ministries in the USA, the Pentagon.

CNN quoted a Pentagon representative as saying: "Everyone is just shocked."

Trump, on the other hand, enthused that Hegseth had spent "his life fighting for the troops and the country" and was a staunch supporter of the "America First" policy.

With him at the helm, "America's enemies have been warned".


Why Donald Trump thinks Pete Hegseth is suitable

The "Department of Government Efficency" was set up especially for Elon Musk (44).
The "Department of Government Efficency" was set up especially for Elon Musk (44).  © Alex Brandon/AP/dpa

Trump emphasized Hegseth's military experience, including in Iraq and Afghanistan. As a Fox News presenter and author, Hegseth has spent many years advocating for veterans.

In the newly created "Department of Government Efficiency", the eccentric businessman Musk and the former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy (39) are to help streamline government spending, reduce bureaucracy and cut unnecessary regulations.