“Loyalty to Trump Matters More Than Competence”: Pete Hegseth’s Potential Defense Appointment Faces Criticism

The potential nomination of Fox News weekend host Pete Hegseth to lead the Department of Defense is raising eyebrows across Washington and within the military. Critics, including national security expert Tom Nichols, argue that Hegseth lacks the qualifications and experience necessary for the role, with some questioning whether he would gain respect from the armed forces.

Speaking on MSNBC, Nichols, a professor emeritus of national-security affairs at the U.S. Naval War College, explained that Hegseth “is not going to be as welcome in the military as people think it might be.” He highlighted the military’s commitment to duty and constitutional oaths, adding that service members prioritize loyalty to one another and effective leadership.

“This kind of trollery of taking somebody — and I think this is what Trump is doing, trolling the public — of taking someone with no qualifications, can’t really look after the 3 million people in the DOD,” Nichols said. He also noted concerns about Hegseth representing the U.S. in critical diplomatic arenas such as Beijing or Moscow.

Nichols argued that appointing Hegseth would reinforce a troubling pattern in Trump’s administration, where loyalty to the president outweighs competence. “What matters most in every government department, including justice and defense… is that loyalty to Donald Trump matters more than competence, and it matters more than loyalty to the Constitution,” he said.

Hegseth also faces scrutiny over a 2017 allegation of sexual assault at a Republican women’s event. While he was never charged, reports suggest he paid the accuser an undisclosed settlement and required her to sign a nondisclosure agreement. Hegseth’s lawyer claimed the payment was made to prevent his firing from Fox News.

The scandal reportedly blindsided Trump’s transition team and has added to the skepticism surrounding his potential appointment. Senators have expressed the need for a thorough FBI background check and a Senate hearing before moving forward with Hegseth’s nomination. Trump, however, has suggested he may bypass standard procedures by using recess appointments to push nominees through.

Nichols summed up the concern within the military: “Pete Hegseth, whatever his intentions, even if they are good… doesn’t have the experience or the ability to do that kind of a job, and I think there would be some concern about that.” The nomination, if pursued, is expected to spark intense debate over qualifications, leadership, and loyalty in public service.