President-elect Donald Trump's selection of a co-host of "FOX & Friends Weekend" spurred immediate mockery on social media as critics blasted the pick as "unserious" — and something more akin to an article in the satirical news outlet "The Onion."
Pete Hegseth was nominated by Trump to serve as his secretary of defense, Fox news confirmed Tuesday night.
"I am honored to announce that I have nominated Pete Hegseth to serve in my Cabinet as The Secretary of Defense. Pete has spent his entire life as a Warrior for the Troops, and for the Country. Pete is tough, smart and a true believer in America First," Trump said in a statement to the outlet.
Hegseth is an Army combat veteran who served in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Guantanamo Bay. He holds two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman Badge for his service, as well a bachelor's degree in politics from Princeton University and a Master's degree in public policy from Harvard University.
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But Hegseth's background didn't impress internet critics on X.
"An utterly unserious pick. A middle finger to everyone who currently serves in the U.S. Armed Services," wrote former Tea Party congressman Joe Walsh.
"This was an Onion headline yesterday," joked Luke Zaleski, legal affairs editor for Condé Nast.
"In a sign he has been making his cabinet selections while watching TV, Trump picks Fox anchor Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense," wrote CNN Anchor Jim Acosta.
"Literally a Fox News host. Unbelievable," wrote Democratic strategist Chris D. Jackson.
"Wow. Trump picking Pete Hegseth is the most hilariously predictably stupid thing," wrote former GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger.
