Pentagon Chief from Fox & Friends Weekend Questions Existence of Germs and Advocates for Not Washing Hands

Trump’s Nomination of Pete Hegseth: A Surreal Choice for Defense Secretary

In a move that many find both baffling and alarming, Donald Trump has nominated Pete Hegseth for the position of Secretary of Defense. Hegseth, a host on Fox News, once infamously proclaimed that he hadn’t washed his hands in a decade. This nomination highlights the surreal nature of Trump’s cabinet selections, bringing to the forefront not only Hegseth’s questionable hygiene practices but also the broader implications of such an appointment.

Statements That Shocked America

During an appearance on Fox & Friends in 2019, Hegseth declared, “I don’t think I’ve washed my hands for 10 years… I inoculate myself.” He went on to assert that “germs are not a real thing. I can’t see them; therefore, they’re not real.” Such statements evoke disbelief and skepticism, setting the stage for reactions from the public, including tweets like:

And now I’m going to be laughing my ass off anytime a republican is forced to shake his hand!!!

— ChipD (@dd_chip) November 13, 2024

Lack of Experience and Qualifications

With no significant background in defense, Hegseth’s ascent to a role overseeing a staggering $842 billion budget and the command of approximately 3 million military personnel raises eyebrows. His qualifications can largely be summed up by his role on television and his controversial book that criticizes the military’s policies as “warped, woke, and caustic.” This nomination signals a trend towards placing loyalty over expertise within Trump’s administration.

Hegseth has urged the dismissal of military leaders who support diversity initiatives.
His radical viewpoints pose a threat to the inclusivity and effectiveness of the armed forces.

Among his incendiary remarks, he questioned the merit of General Charles Q. Brown Jr., the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, suggesting his leadership position may be attributed more to race than to skill. These comments raise critical concerns about Hegseth’s judgment and decision-making capabilities:

Interesting. A couple of years ago, I had a scoop which the Pentagon later confirmed that Twelve U.S. National Guard members were removed from securing then President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration after vetting. Turns out one of them was @PeteHegseth

— Jim LaPorta (@JimLaPorta) November 7, 2024

Extremist Associations and Controversial Views

Hegseth’s extremist ideologies are further underscored by his removal from the security detail for President Biden’s inauguration due to potential extremist ties, as revealed during an FBI vetting process. While he has tattoos linked to white supremacist movements, he dismisses these as Christian symbols. Additionally, he has openly marginalized women in combat roles, asserting that men are inherently more capable in these situations.

Implications for National Security

This nomination reshapes the Defense Department from a formidable military entity into what appears to be a platform for conservative media personalities. Trump continues his approach of selecting figures from cable news backgrounds, favoring loyalty over professional qualifications for roles critical to national security. The implications of appointing someone who has publicly denied the existence of germs to such a pivotal position are alarming, particularly given the Department’s responsibility for safeguarding America against various threats, including cyber and biological warfare.

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