Fox News Host Pete Hegseth Slams Biden's Defense Pick

Hegseth Calls Lloyd Austin a "Radical Leftist"

Fox News host Pete Hegseth launched a scathing attack on President-elect Joe Biden's pick for Secretary of Defense, retired Army Gen. Lloyd Austin, on Monday's broadcast of "Fox & Friends."

Hegseth, a former Army Ranger, accused Austin of being a "radical leftist" and a "threat to our national security." He also claimed that Austin is "out of touch" with the military and "does not understand" the threats facing the United States.

Hegseth's Attack on Austin

Hegseth's attack on Austin comes as Biden is set to announce his full national security team on Tuesday. Austin, a West Point graduate and former commander of U.S. Central Command, is seen as a leading candidate for the role of Defense Secretary.

In his segment on "Fox & Friends," Hegseth argued that Austin is not qualified to be Defense Secretary because he is a "radical leftist" who "does not understand" the military.

"Lloyd Austin is a radical leftist who has no business being in charge of our military," Hegseth said. "He is a threat to our national security, and he should not be confirmed as Secretary of Defense."

Austin's Qualifications

Austin, 67, has a long and distinguished military career. He served in the Army for 41 years, including tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was the first African American to lead U.S. Central Command, and he is widely respected within the military.

However, Austin's nomination has been met with some criticism from Republicans. Some have questioned his commitment to civilian control of the military, and others have accused him of being too close to the Obama administration.

Biden's Defense Team

Biden is expected to announce his full national security team on Tuesday. In addition to Austin, Biden is expected to nominate Antony Blinken as Secretary of State, Jake Sullivan as National Security Advisor, and Avril Haines as Director of National Intelligence.

The Biden team is expected to face a tough confirmation process in the Senate. Republicans have already indicated that they will closely scrutinize Biden's nominees, and some have threatened to block their confirmation.