As President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet takes shape, the nomination of Pete Hegseth as defense secretary has sparked debate about his qualifications for the role. While Hegseth lacks necessary leadership experience and has expressed views that are at odds with some in the military establishment, his appointment signals a broader shift in American politics.
The dissatisfaction with the military-industrial complex among veterans is real and widespread. The toll of 20 years of failed wars and incalculable costs to America’s veterans and their families has deepened their frustrations with the political status quo. Hegseth’s isolationist views, which align with those of Trump and many disaffected veterans, reflect this sentiment.
The connection between Trump’s administration and this disaffected veteran group runs deep. Trump’s past actions, such as nominating Will Ruger to be ambassador to Afghanistan, have resonated with veterans who feel disillusioned with the status quo. The growing left-right alliance opposing the “forever wars” has created a bond between Republicans like Trump and those on the left.
The failure of the mainstream foreign policy establishment to adapt to changing circumstances has led to this reckoning. Modern Pentagon leaders have stifled innovation, allowed rampant sexual harassment to persist, and been disingenuous about national security intelligence. The withdrawal from Afghanistan was disastrous, and it’s these failures that radicalized veterans like Hegseth.
While Hegseth may be an unconventional choice, his views on military conflict are not unique. The bipartisan disdain for the military-industrial complex is growing, and Trump’s appointment signals a shift towards this sentiment. As the nation moves forward, it’s essential to acknowledge the validity of this dissatisfaction and work towards creating a more accountable and effective defense establishment.
The author, Jennifer Steinhauer, is a former reporter for The New York Times who covered military and veteran issues.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/18/opinion/trump-cabinet-hegseth-defense-secretary.html