On Tuesday, President-elect Donald Trump surprised many by naming Fox News presenter Pete Hegseth as the new Defense Secretary, marking a significant shift with an unconventional choice for this key government role.

In a statement, Trump expressed confidence in Hegseth, stating, “With Pete in charge, America’s adversaries should be aware – Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down.”

Trump highlighted Hegseth’s military background, mentioning his service as an “Army Combat Veteran with tours in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan.”

The appointment of Defense Secretary requires approval from the Senate. This announcement signals Trump’s plan to officially nominate Hegseth for Senate vote.

At 44, Hegseth is primarily known for his eight years with Fox News, making his selection as head of the military a unique choice for overseeing over two million service personnel.

According to a 2022 article in Reserve + National Guard Magazine, Hegseth began his military journey in college with the Army ROTC, later joining the Army National Guard upon graduation. He has served overseas and is currently a member of the Individual Ready Reserve.

The Army Times noted that Hegseth’s background stands in stark contrast to recent Defense Secretaries, like Lloyd Austin and James Mattis, who had extensive experience in high-ranking military positions. Mark Esper, who served between Mattis and Austin, was previously Army Secretary.

In addition to his military service, Hegseth has been active in conservative politics and authored “The War on Warriors.” Trump praised this book for exposing “the leftwing betrayal of our warriors and emphasizing the need to restore our military’s focus on merit, effectiveness, accountability, and excellence.”

Trump’s early selections for his administration have predominantly consisted of typical GOP figures with significant governmental expertise. By promoting a conservative television personality to his Cabinet, Trump is breaking traditional norms regarding qualifications for public service roles.

Hegseth has been a leader in veteran advocacy groups and briefly campaigned for the U.S. Senate in Minnesota as a Republican back in 2012.

A graduate of Princeton University in 2003, Hegseth also holds a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. Interestingly, his biography mentions that he “mailed this degree back to Harvard!” He has earned two Bronze Stars and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge during his military service.

Currently, Hegseth co-hosts “Fox & Friends Weekend” and frequently guest hosts on other prominent shows on the network. Per his website, he is also an author or co-author of five books, and he describes himself as a “husband, father, patriot, and Christian.”

According to his biography, Hegseth resides in Tennessee with his wife, Jenny, and they have seven children.

During his first presidential term, Trump considered Hegseth for the role of Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Hegseth has led veteran advocacy organizations such as Vets for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America, often criticizing the VA.