What Republicans Are Saying About Trump’s Secretary of Defense

Marc Short, a former adviser to Vice President Mike Pence, has expressed strong support for President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to appoint Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense. Appearing on MSNBC, Short defended the appointment, emphasizing Hegseth’s military experience and commitment to veterans. “Pete Hegseth served for 20 years in the armed forces and earned two Bronze Stars in combat zones like Iraq and Afghanistan. He’s someone with real-world experience, not just a talking head,” Short said.

Short also highlighted Hegseth’s previous work leading Concerned Veterans for America, noting that he is deeply familiar with the challenges facing veterans and the military. “Pete isn’t a stranger to fighting for our troops and veterans; his leadership in the veterans’ advocacy community speaks volumes,” Short added.

While Hegseth’s appointment has garnered praise from many conservatives, it has also drawn criticism from figures across the political spectrum. Former White House press secretary Jen Psaki, now a prominent Democrat, argued that the role of Secretary of Defense should focus on military expertise, not media savvy. “The position is about more than just someone who can fight culture wars or stir the pot on TV. It’s about leadership for the men and women who serve our country,” Psaki said.

In addition to concerns about Hegseth’s background, former Trump aide Peter Navarro raised questions about his confirmation process. He warned that Senate Republicans like John Thune and John Cornyn might block Hegseth’s nomination, citing the Senate’s power to challenge Trump’s Cabinet picks if they disagree with the direction of the administration.

Despite these objections, Marc Short remains confident in Hegseth’s ability to succeed. “I have no doubt Pete will handle the confirmation process with professionalism. Let’s see how it plays out,” Short concluded, pointing out that Hegseth’s leadership and military record make him well-suited to lead the Pentagon.

For many conservatives, Hegseth’s appointment represents a bold step toward a more robust, effective military strategy—one focused on defending American interests rather than getting caught up in political or cultural distractions.