Rep. Pat Ryan Criticizes Trump’s Nomination of Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary

Rep. Pat Ryan, a Democrat representing New York‘s 18th Congressional District, has expressed strong concerns over President-elect Donald Trump‘s nomination of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense. In an appearance on MSNBC‘s “Morning Joe,” Ryan stated that he is “very concerned” about the nomination, questioning Hegseth’s qualifications and seriousness for the role.

Hegseth, a former Fox News host, has been a vocal supporter of Trump and has been involved in various conservative advocacy efforts. However, his lack of direct experience in defense or military affairs has raised eyebrows among many lawmakers, including Rep. Ryan. Ryan’s comments highlight the broader skepticism within the Democratic Party regarding Trump’s staffing choices for his second administration.

Rep. Ryan also discussed the implications of Trump’s early staffing decisions and the potential challenges they may pose for the Democratic Party. In a recent interview with the hosts of the podcast “Pod Save America,” Ryan emphasized the need for the Democratic Party to learn from recent elections and adapt strategies to better compete in tough districts.