Former Pence Advisor Warns MSNBC Not To ‘Underestimate’ Pete Hegseth as Trump’s Sec of Defense: ‘Welcome Change for Many’
Marc Short defended Fox News host Pete Hegseth against criticism on MSNBC, arguing that he is in fact qualified to serve as Secretary of Defense, a role President-elect Donald Trump announced he will nominate Hegseth to serve in.
The choice of Hegseth has surprised many, with critics arguing he lacks the experience to lead the Pentagon. Short, a Meet the Press contributor and former chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence, highlighted Hegseth’s extensive military career and argued he will be a “welcome change” for many looking to mix up the Pentagon bureaucracy.
“I’m sure there’ll be a long confirmation process for several appointees, but I wouldn’t underestimate Pete — Pete served 20 years, he was awarded the Bronze Star twice in Iraq and Afghanistan. He’s somebody that I got to know when he was running Concerned Veterans for America. I think people too quickly underestimate Pete, and I think this is a welcome change for a lot of people who want to see a change at the Pentagon,” Short said.
He added that he feels it’s likely Hegseth will be able to pass the confirmation process in the Senate, but argued Democrats will be looking for a “scalp,” though it remains to be seen which Trump nominee will land in the hot seat.
MSNBC anchor José Díaz-Balart played one clip of Hegseth that has caused some controversy since Trump’s announcement. In it, Hegseth said women should not be in “combat roles” in the military. Díaz-Balart asked if such controversial statements could derail Hegseth, but Short argued the Fox & Friends Weekend co-host will do just fine.
“I think Pete will present himself well in a confirmation hearing so let’s let it play out,” he said.
MSNBC host Jen Psaki, former press secretary to President Joe Biden, said she agreed with much of Short’s praise of Hegseth’s military career, but insisted he lacks the specific experience to be Secretary of Defense. She recommended he serve in a lesser role.
“Maybe he could be the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, maybe he could do something else,” she said. “The Secretary of Defense is someone who oversees the men and women serving around the world, it’s not about someone who is good on TV and who is fighting woke or cultural issues.”
Watch above via MSNBC.
