(NewsNation) — Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth “has some big shoes to fill” if he is confirmed, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander General Wesley Clark said on “NewsNation Now.”
“I think it’s the president’s choice. That’s our system,” the retired four-star general said ahead of Friday’s Senate vote.
“I think the senior ranks in the military will do the best they can to work with the officer or leader appointed over them,” Clark added.
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Hegseth, a Fox News personality and former combat veteran, faces allegations of excessive drinking and aggressive actions toward women. He’s denied all allegations.
Detractors of the 44-year-old nominee also point to his inexperience and the Department of Defense‘s massive budget as a mismatch.
“Pete Hegseth has got to prove himself,” Clark said. “He’s got to earn their respect. Having the office is one thing, but actually doing the job is another.”
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If confirmed, which Clark thinks is likely, what matters most for Hegseth is who he works with — preferably, those with more bureaucratic experience.
“He’s got to have people around him that he trusts who do have that experience,” Clark added. “Because you’re managing a huge bit of bureaucracy … it requires attention to detail and management skill.”
NewsNation’s Joe Khalil and Jeff Arnold contributed to this story.
