Trump nominates Pete Hegseth for defense secretary amid controversial views on political conflict

Donald Trump has nominated Fox News host Pete Hegseth as his choice for secretary of defense. Hegseth has previously expressed extreme views, suggesting a potential violent conflict between the military and political opponents, whom he labels as "domestic enemies." In his 2020 book, "American Crusade," Hegseth warned that the outcome of the 2020 election could lead to a "national divorce" and civil war. He described a scenario where military and law enforcement would confront supporters of President Joe Biden. Hegseth acknowledged the horrific nature of such a conflict but believed it could be avoided. He also recounted a conversation with Trump in 2019, where he urged the president to pardon service members charged with war crimes.