Key Take-Aways:
* President-elect Donald Trump nominates Pete Hegseth, Fox News host and National Guard veteran, as defense secretary.
* The surprising nomination could result in objection from Senate Republicans.
* Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski are expected to challenge the nomination.
* Hegseth has military experience but lacks experience in managing a bureaucracy or leading the Defense Department.
* Trump’s moves hint at an expansion of executive power, including the use of ‘recess appointments.’
The Surprise Nomination
In an unexpected move, President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Fox News host and decorated veteran, Pete Hegseth, as his nominee for defense secretary. This move, many speculate, could lead to rare objections from Senate Republicans. Hegseth, despite two Bronze Stars and 20 years of military service, lacks experience in negotiating a bureaucracy or serving in a role within the Defense Department.
Why the Nomination Could Face Opposition
Senate Republicans may not yield to President-elect Trump’s demand for approval of his nominated Cabinet members. Historically, Congress has shown strong support for the president in affirming cabinet choices. Still, there have been times when disagreements led to dramatic clashes. The nomination of Pete Hegseth may bring about such a conflict.
The Challenge with Hegseth’s Experience
Trump’s decision to tap Hegseth for the critical role of leading the world’s largest and mightiest military could raise eyebrows. The nomination could spark a study of Hegseth’s qualifications and experience under a finer lens. Though he is a decorated veteran, Hegseth does not have any previous experience serving in the Defense Department or guiding a bureaucracy.
Trump’s Bid to Expand Executive Powers
Observers believe that this move could be an attempt by President-elect Trump to expand his executive powers. Trump’s involvement in traditionally non-presidential purviews such as choosing the Senate majority leader and influencing media campaigns is raising concerns. One such example is the ‘Make America Great’ campaign led by Senator Rick Scott, which Trump is said to have supported.
Trump is also exploring a strategy called ‘recess appointments.’ This maneuver would allow the President to temporarily fill positions without the Senate’s formal approval, bypassing the usual process. The term of a recess appointee lasts for a year, requiring only a simple majority for approval.
Moderate Republican Senators to Watch
There are a few moderate Republicans who might resist falling in line with Trump’s maneuvers. Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski are often mentioned as likely dissenters. These Senators have historically been less isolationist in their approach. They are also less likely to overlook controversial positions taken by Hegseth who, for instance, lobbied Trump in the past to pardon war criminals.
In Sum
The upcoming weeks promise an interesting turn of events. The Senate’s reaction to Hegseth’s nomination can be seen as an early test of its willingness to stand up to Trump. It’s worth keeping an eye on moderates like Collins and Murkowski and watching how these dynamics influence the balance of power between the Senate and the newly-elected president.