COLUMN: Why We Need DEI to Combat the “Good Ol’ Boy” Network

By James S. Bridgeforth, Ph.D.& The confirmation hearings for Pete Hegseth, former Fox News host and President-elect Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, have begun. Hegseth’s nomination comes at a time of profound global instability: the wars in Gaza and Ukraine rage on, and the geopolitical threats posed by China and Russia loom larger than ever. In such a precarious moment, the role of Secretary of Defense—a position overseeing the largest federal bureaucracy with 3.4 million employees and an $850 billion budget—requires an individual with proven expertise, leadership and credibility. Yet, Hegseth’s résumé raises serious concerns about his fitness for this crucial role.& The Case Against Pete Hegseth& Polling data underscores widespread public skepticism about Hegseth’s qualifications. According to a recent survey, only 20% of Americans approve of his nomination, with 36% disapproving and the rest either undecided or unaware of his track record. Among Republicans, nearly 40% report having insufficient information to form an opinion. This lukewarm reception is indicative of broader concerns about Hegseth’s leadership credentials—or lack thereof.& Hegseth’s career trajectory does little to inspire confidence.& & Before becoming a Fox News personality, he led two military-affiliated nonprofit organizations—Veterans for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America—but was forced...