Trump picks Fox News host Pete Hegseth to serve as secretary of defense

The move is seen as a further sign of the president's embrace of right-wing media figures.

Fox News host Pete Hegseth has been picked by President Trump to serve as secretary of defense, the White House announced today. Hegseth is a former Army Ranger and author who has been a vocal supporter of Trump on Fox News. He has also been a critic of the Obama administration and the Iran nuclear deal.

Hegseth's nomination is likely to face opposition from Democrats in the Senate.

Hegseth has no experience in government or the military, and his nomination is likely to face opposition from Democrats in the Senate. He has also made controversial statements in the past, including saying that transgender people are "mentally ill."

If confirmed, Hegseth would be the first Fox News host to serve as secretary of defense. His nomination is the latest sign of Trump's embrace of right-wing media figures. Trump has previously appointed other Fox News hosts to positions in his administration, including Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham.

Hegseth's nomination is also a sign of the growing influence of Fox News in American politics. Fox News is the most-watched cable news channel in the United States, and its hosts have a large following among Trump supporters.