Donald Trump Reportedly Consulted With Fox News Host Pete Hegseth on Secretary of Defense Pick

Trump Said to Have Valued Hegseth's Military Experience and Conservative Views

Former President Donald Trump reportedly consulted with Fox News host Pete Hegseth on his pick for Secretary of Defense, according to a new book by Wall Street Journal reporter Michael Bender.

Bender's book, "Frankly, We Did Win This Election: The Inside Story of How Trump Lost," claims that Trump spoke with Hegseth about his decision to nominate former Raytheon executive Mark Esper to lead the Pentagon.

Sources told Bender that Trump valued Hegseth's military experience and conservative views.

Hegseth Is a Former Army Ranger and National Guardsman

Hegseth served in the U.S. Army for eight years, including a tour in Iraq.

He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Hegseth is a regular guest on Fox News and has been a vocal supporter of Trump.

Esper Was Confirmed as Secretary of Defense in July 2019

Esper was confirmed as Secretary of Defense by the Senate in July 2019.

He served in the position until November 2020, when he was fired by Trump.

Esper has been critical of Trump since his firing.

In an interview with CNN in January 2021, Esper said that Trump "was acting out of frustration" when he fired him.

Esper also said that he believes Trump "was not mentally fit to be president.