By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Donald Trump has nominated Fox News commentator Pete Hegseth to be Secretary of Defense. Hegseth, a veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, was prevented from guarding Joe Biden’s 2020 inauguration due to concerns about a “Jerusalem Cross” tattoo, which was deemed to be a sign of extremism by military officials. Hegseth claims the tattoo was misconstrued and that he was unfairly labeled as an extremist. This incident has raised questions about the military’s vetting process and the potential for bias against individuals with certain beliefs or symbols.
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Pete Hegseth, a Fox News commentator with a history of controversial statements, was notably absent from Joe Biden’s inauguration. Reports surfaced that Hegseth, a former member of the Minnesota National Guard, was among those ordered to stand down from the event, sparking widespread speculation about the reason behind this decision.
While the official reason for Hegseth’s removal remains unclear, many suspect it was due to his perceived extremism. Some point to his controversial views expressed during his time in college, where he wrote and published articles that have since been unearthed and criticized. These writings, along with his association with conservative media outlets, have led many to question his suitability for a position of power.
The controversy surrounding Hegseth intensified when Donald Trump announced him as his choice for Secretary of Defense. This selection was met with alarm, particularly due to concerns about his potential influence on the military and the possibility of a purge of individuals deemed disloyal to Trump’s agenda.
The concern stems from Hegseth’s known views on issues like transgender service members and immigration, which align with a hardline approach often associated with Trump. Many fear that he could use his position to enact policies that further divide the country and erode the principles of military service.
Hegseth’s past comments regarding hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he reportedly claimed to not wash his hands for years, further fueled the perception of him as an extremist. His reported disregard for basic health precautions, coupled with his controversial political views, paints a picture of someone who may be unfit for a position of such immense responsibility.
Critics argue that Hegseth’s appointment is another example of Trump’s disregard for experience, qualifications, and responsible governance. They fear that this appointment, along with others like it, could lead to a significant erosion of the nation’s institutions and a further descent into political polarization.
The selection of Hegseth, despite the controversy surrounding him, underscores the deep divisions that exist within American society. It has ignited a debate about the role of extremism in politics and the potential for individuals with questionable views to hold positions of power. Only time will tell what impact Hegseth’s appointment will have on the military and the nation as a whole.