More than 120 retired U.S. generals and admirals signed a letter in “strong support” for Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense.
“The undersigned retired Generals and Admirals are offering our strong support for Pete Hegseth’s nomination to be the next Secretary of Defense (SECDEF),” the letter says.
“There is no doubt that Pete Hegseth is passionate about our country, our military, and the men and women who serve in our armed forces. He is a warrior who volunteered to join the military and he served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan as an infantry officer. He understands combat from the grass roots level and will take that much needed perspective with him as the next SECDEF. He has studied and experienced the disastrous effects Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) has on our military and he is committed to expunging it from our armed forces. His focus is solely on warfighting readiness so that our military is prepared to fulfill its mission—to fight and win our Nation’s wars.”
The letter states that Trump “trusts” Hegseth, noting that he “has the right and responsibility to select key people who are capable of fulfilling his promises to the American people.”
Trump “selected Pete Hegseth to carry out that mandate and he stands behind him in the face of those opposing Pete’s confirmation,” the letter adds. “We, the undesigned retired generals and admirals, stand with President Trump in endorsing Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense.”
A similar letter was sent in support of former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s (D-HI) nomination for Director of National Intelligence. More than 250 veterans wrote that Gabbard “reflects a profound recognition of her steadfast dedication to our nation and her unwavering commitment to safeguarding the American people.”
“We are deeply grateful to President Trump for appointing Tulsi Gabbard to this critical role and proud to stand beside her—a leader whose courage and convictions we know firsthand. A warrior whose vote cannot be bought, and whose integrity cannot be folded. We are honored to call her one of our own,” the letter concludes.
