Summary

Trump’s selection of Fox News host Pete Hegseth as defense secretary has alarmed senior military commanders, who fear Trump’s appointments indicate a shift toward an “America First” foreign policy with lasting impacts.

Trump’s approach emphasizes loyalty over experience and a transactional view of alliances, suggesting possible withdrawal from NATO, reduced support for Ukraine, and uncertainty over commitments to allies like Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan.

This strategy, reminiscent of pre-WWII isolationism, could undermine the US-led global order and potentially trigger a nuclear arms race as allies consider self-defense measures.