1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

Pete Hegseth's nomination for Secretary of Defense raises serious concerns about his qualifications and ability to effectively lead the military and protect national security interests. He lacks meaningful experience running large organizations or expertise in national security matters. Hegseth appears dismissive of alliances like NATO, which have been crucial for maintaining global stability. Furthermore, his comments about purging the military of "cowardly generals" and banning women from combat roles are alarming and suggest a desire to politicize the armed forces in a dangerous way. Rather than focusing on legitimate external threats, Hegseth seems preoccupied with perceived domestic "enemies" like immigrants and those with differing political views, even calling for a "holy war" and "crusade" against fellow Americans. This divisive rhetoric promoting violence against citizens is antithetical to American values and the Constitution. His Christian Reconstructionist beliefs that divine will should supersede laws and governing structures are incompatible with secular democracy. With his seeming indifference to the Russia-Ukraine war, lack of substantive understanding of modern warfare and geopolitics, and extremist ideology, Hegseth appears ill-equipped to responsibly manage the world's most powerful military. His appointment has the potential to undermine national defense capabilities, damage civil-military relations, and further inflame societal divisions. For the sake of preserving democratic institutions and international stability, I urge you to reject this unqualified and dangerous nomination.