Trump’s Tough Stance on China Evident in Hawkish Cabinet Picks, Experts Say | US News

The recent announcements may not have come as a surprise. Donald Trump had promised to do things differently this time around. However, they still manage to catch many off guard.

Before delving into Elon Musk, let’s address the man that Donald Trump has nominated as the new defense secretary for America – a TV anchor from Fox News.

The individual set to lead the world’s most powerful military is none other than Pete Hegseth, known for his role as the Fox & Friends Weekend host. His unconventional background, including service in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay, where he defended the treatment of prisoners, makes him an unexpected choice.

However, it is precisely this non-traditional profile that appeals to Mr. Trump. He intends for Hegseth to shake things up and spark the kind of reaction that has already rippled through the establishment.

Social media has been abuzz with remarks like “It’s a joke surely,” questioning the appointment. Nonetheless, the president-elect’s press release was clear in its support of Hegseth.

“Pete has dedicated his life to serving the troops and his country,” Mr. Trump stated in the overnight announcement.

“Pete is resilient, intelligent, and a staunch advocate of America First. With Pete at the helm, America’s adversaries are forewarned – Our Military will rise to prominence once more, and America will not retreat.”

A brief examination of Hegseth’s TV appearances and interviews offers insight into his views. He humorously remarked on his hygiene habits, stating, “I don’t believe I’ve washed my hands in a decade… Germs are invisible to me, thus they aren’t real.”

While his co-hosts seemed unsure whether he was joking, the 44-year-old expressed strong opinions on America’s military deficiencies in a recent podcast.

He critiqued the Pentagon’s war game simulations, highlighting China’s superior military strategies and criticizing America’s procurement methods. Hegseth’s stance embodies what Trump views as anti-establishment and innovative thinking.

While this perspective aligns with the beliefs of many within the establishment, some remain apprehensive about Hegseth’s lack of experience in managing a major government department and overseeing military operations.

Now turning to Elon Musk, his presence in the White House should not come as a surprise. However, his role is somewhat unconventional, as he operates outside the government structure through his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

This unique arrangement is necessitated by Musk’s companies’ extensive government contracts, which preclude him from directly serving in the White House.

In response to the announcement, Musk shared his plans for maximum transparency within the Department of Government Efficiency, promising to showcase all actions online and provide a leaderboard for tracking government spending.

For those advocating for government reform, Musk’s transparency initiatives are likely welcomed. However, questions arise about the funding, conflicts of interest, and oversight of this external entity.

As Trump continues to unveil his new nominees, one common theme emerges – a focus on countering China. Individuals like Marco Rubio, Pete Hegseth, John Ratcliffe, and Mike Waltz, all known for their tough stance on China, are being appointed to key positions.

Trump is setting the stage for a new power struggle with China, aiming to assert American superiority and fulfill his campaign promise of “making America great again”.

The stakes are high, and while Trump 2.0 could lead to a resurgence of American dominance, it may also prove to be a challenging journey.