Trump’s Defense Secretary Pick Opposes Women in Combat, Plans to Remove “Woke” Officials

Pete Hegseth, the nominee for defense secretary under President-elect Donald Trump, has sparked controversy by advocating for the removal of "woke" military officials and opposing women in combat positions. 

During a recent appearance on *The Shawn Ryan Show* podcast, Hegseth, a Fox News host and Trump ally, expressed these views, indicating that he would make significant policy changes if he were to join Trump's Cabinet.

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Hegseth, a 44-year-old Army National Guard veteran who has served in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Guantánamo Bay, contended that the presence of female soldiers in combat positions does not enhance military effectiveness and instead complicates operations. He declared, "I am simply asserting that women should not be employed in combat roles."

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He also indicated that he intends to remove senior military leaders who are advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, beginning with Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr., the current chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Hegseth stated, "Any general, admiral, or whoever was involved in any of the DEI, woke s---, has got to go."

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All combat duties were made available to women by the Pentagon in 2015, a significant change that acknowledged the capabilities and contributions of women across all military ranks. 

Women are now represented in over 17% of the active duty forces, and they are flourishing in leadership and combat roles. Nevertheless, some officials are concerned that Hegseth's posture may deter women from joining or remaining in the military, which could have an impact on recruitment efforts.

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