Sounding the Alarm: Trump's SECDEF Pick and the Dangerous "Warrior Board"

Some Things Can’t Wait.

I planned to launch this blog in January. My goal was simple: create a space for non-partisan, clear-eyed discussion of issues that impact average Americans. No party loyalty, no reflexive opposition—just honest discourse, crediting both sides where it's due and calling them out when necessary.

But circumstances changed.

Pete Hegseth’s potential nomination as Secretary of Defense, combined with a proposed “warrior board” intended to purge military leadership, presents an urgent threat to our national security. This moment demands an immediate and unequivocal response from all Americans who care about the security and integrity of our military, regardless of political affiliation.

This isn’t about anti-Trumpism or party politics. It’s about preserving the professional, non-partisan military that has safeguarded America for decades under administrations of both parties. It’s about ensuring competence in our highest defense officials and preventing the blatant politicization of our armed forces.

I served under nine different Secretaries of Defense—some I respected tremendously, others less so. Yet, through each administration, I was confident they could navigate the complex labyrinth of policy, congressional oversight, national security strategy, and international relations that comes with the job. They had the background and competence to shoulder the immense responsibilities of the position.

But Pete Hegseth lacks these qualifications. A former National Guard officer and TV commentator with no experience in government or managing complex organizations simply does not have the depth required to run the Department of Defense. National security isn’t a soundbite or a TV debate. It’s an intricate, high-stakes reality where decisions affect lives, global stability, and the very security of our nation.

The Return of the Chaos: Now with Higher Stakes

Remember the revolving door of underqualified appointees in Trump’s first term? The constant churn? The elevation of loyalty over expertise? The Hegseth nomination shows that Trump hasn’t just failed to learn from those mistakes—he’s doubling down on them.

The response from the defense community says it all. One defense industry official’s reaction—“Who the f--k is this guy?”—captures the sheer absurdity of this nomination.

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When Paul Rieckhoff, founder of Independent Veterans of America, calls someone “undoubtedly the least qualified nominee for SecDef in American history,” it’s a sign that we all need to be paying attention.

This Isn’t Reality TV—It’s National Security

Trump still doesn’t seem to grasp that governing isn’t like running a TV show. You can’t treat the Department of Defense as an extension of The Apprentice. National security doesn’t work with yes-men at the helm, nor can it afford to lose seasoned professionals in favor of political loyalists.

So if anyone believed Trump might be more responsible this time around, this nomination is a harsh reality check. Just a week in, he’s already showing us exactly who he still is—a man who values loyalty over competence, television experience over genuine expertise, and personal gain over national security.

A Wake-Up Call

Whether you're a Trump hater or your favorite color is MAGA red, you should be deeply concerned. Secretary of Defense isn’t an OJT type of gig, and Pete Hegseth’s lack of experience isn’t just a minor issue; it undermines the Department’s ability to do its job, putting American security at serious risk. The Secretary of Defense is responsible for advising the president and leading the Pentagon’s response to national security threats and global crises. A couple of deployments and honorable service are commendable, but they don’t qualify someone to run the Pentagon.

The Real Danger of the “Warrior Board”

At the same time, the proposed "warrior board" would impose a political loyalty test on military leadership, dismantling the non-partisan foundation that has always ensured our armed forces serve the nation, not any single leader. This isn’t just bad policy; it’s dangerous. Think Venezuela, Turkey, Russia.

If we allow political allegiance to outweigh professional standards and fidelity to the Constitution in our military, we risk eroding democracy and public trust in one of America’s most respected institutions.

If you think it couldn’t happen here, think again.

This isn’t about party politics; it’s about the competence, integrity, and security of our nation. Americans of all political stripes should be alarmed at the thought of a military led by someone chosen for loyalty over expertise. We can’t afford to place our security in the hands of someone learning as they go.

What’s Next?

If this is Trump’s starting point—an unqualified TV personality to lead the Pentagon and plans to purge experienced military leaders—imagine the kind of instability, incompetence, and perilous decision-making we may face in a second Trump term.

Americans, regardless of political affiliation, must speak up, and the Senate must reject this nomination. If we think this is troubling, remember: he hasn’t even taken the oath of office. There are four more years of reckless decisions like this on the horizon.

God help us all.