When I first heard the news of Pete Hegseth being nominated for secretary of defense, my initial reaction mirrored many others': disbelief. A Fox News commentator stepping into one of the most pivotal roles in national security? It seemed unconventional at best.
Yet, upon reflection, it becomes clear that Hegseth's nomination aligns perfectly with the demands of this precarious historical moment. What makes Hegseth the right choice isn’t a conventional résumé — it’s his role as a great communicator, a skill set that has proven transformative for leaders in tumultuous times.
Historically, the role of secretary of defense has been filled by individuals who brought either military experience or the capacity to lead large, complex organizations. But let us not forget that some of the most impactful leaders have been those who defied conventional expectations, uniting vision, communication, and decisiveness.
Consider President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine, a former comedian turned global statesman. His now-iconic declaration — “I don’t need a ride, I need ammunition” — galvanized global support in Ukraine’s darkest hours.
Similarly, Ronald Reagan, a Hollywood actor, used his extraordinary oratory skills to inspire a nation and face down the Soviet Union, winning the Cold War with words.
Their common thread? Communication. In Hegseth, we see a similar capability: the power to articulate a vision clearly, rally allies, and send decisive messages to enemies and adversaries.
This is not to diminish the challenges inherent in leading a 2-million-person Department of Defense. Hegseth, by his own admission, lacks the traditional experience of commanding vast organizations. But the essence of leadership often lies not in micromanagement but in setting a clear vision and empowering a team to execute it.
In this respect, having a strong deputy or undersecretary, such as former DOD official Robert Wilkie, who was being considered for the secretary role, could effectively manage the Pentagon’s day-to-day operations, allowing Hegseth to focus on his core strength: being the articulate face of American defense policy.
In today’s complex global environment, communication is not merely an asset — it is a weapon. America faces an interconnected web of threats from state actors such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea who are coordinating their efforts with non-state actors such as Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis, against U.S. interests.
They are using information warfare to flood social media platforms to sow division and confusion. In this context, a secretary of defense must not only understand the intricacies of military strategy but also convey them to allies, adversaries, and the American public with precision and clarity.
Only three of the 28 secretaries of defense have been general officers. Lloyd Austin, Jim Mattis and George Marshall. The other 25 had either no military experience, or more typically, a few years as junior military officers.
Hegseth’s service in combat as an Infantry officer in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay is actually more significant and impressive compared with the other 25 nongeneral officers to prepare him to lead a Pentagon with a large percentage of senior officers and non-commissioned officers with experiences in those war zones.
He will be a “muddy boots” secretary of defense who will be able to relate to the majority of soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, and Coast Guardsmen who serve in uniform.
Hegseth’s media background equips him uniquely for this challenge. Over decades, he has honed his craft as a commentator and advocate, discussing the intricacies of military policy in high-stakes, real-time formats.
Unlike many traditional nominees, he has spent years mastering the art of public persuasion — skills that will be invaluable as America navigates an era of contested narratives on the global stage. When Hegseth speaks, he will do so with conviction born of experience, having served as an infantry officer. His deep respect for the military and his ability to connect with both soldiers and civilians make him an ideal bridge between the Pentagon and the public.
Critics argue that Hegseth’s nomination reflects Trump’s preference for loyalty over expertise.
But let us not forget that Trump himself shattered political norms by becoming president, largely due to his ability to communicate effectively.
Trump’s Cabinet choices, from former Gov. Mike Huckabee to Sen. Marco Rubio, to Rep. Michael Waltz to Gov. Kristi Noem, to Dr. Mehmet Oz, reflect a deliberate strategy: assembling a team of “great communicators” who can amplify his administration’s vision.
In Hegseth, Trump has selected someone who shares his ability to connect directly with the American people while projecting strength to the world.
Hegseth’s nomination also signals a potential shift in how we view the role of secretary of defense. Traditionally, the position has been filled by either senior business executives or retired generals.
Yet, as the challenges of the 21st century evolve, so too must the profile of its leaders. Hegseth may well be the prototype for a new kind of defense secretary — one who prioritizes communication as a cornerstone of national security.
This shift is not without precedent. Recent secretaries of defense, such as Gen. Mattis and Austin, were a shift in tradition compared to the traditional secretary of defense who were not general officers.
They brought unparalleled military expertise to the role but struggled to connect with the public and adapt to the rapid pace of modern information warfare. Hegseth’s background offers a compelling counterpoint: a leader who understands the battlefield and the information space alike.
For skeptics who view Hegseth as more suited to a role like Pentagon press secretary, the comparison to Ronald Reagan’s early career is instructive. Reagan’s journey from radio, to Hollywood actor to "the great communicator” who took down the Soviet Union, was not immediate — it was the result of years of practice and refinement.
Hegseth’s path, while unconventional, mirrors this trajectory. He has spent years building a platform and refining his ability to engage on complex military issues, preparing him to step into this pivotal role. The role of a great leader is to take complex subjects and simplify them, to communicate them clearly and concisely.
Ultimately, America stands at a crossroads. We face a world that is not only more dangerous but also more connected than ever before. In such times, the ability to communicate effectively is as critical as the ability to strategize or manage.
Pete Hegseth’s nomination may not fit the mold of past secretaries of defense, but perhaps that is exactly what this moment requires. If confirmed, he will bring a fresh perspective and a powerful voice to the Pentagon, embodying the leadership and vision needed to navigate these turbulent times.
Dan Rice is the president of the American University Kyiv, former special adviser to the commander of Ukraine armed forces, and a renowned leadership expert.
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