Pete Hegseth is confirmed, has ‘big shoes to fill’: Clark

(NewsNation) — Nominated for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth “has some big shoes to fill” if confirmed, former top NATO ally Gen. Wesley Clark said on “NewsNation Now.”

“I think it is presidential election. That’s our system, the retired four-star general said ahead of Friday’s Senate vote.

“I think the upper ranks of the military will do the best they can to work with whatever officer or leader is appointed above them,” Clark added.

Hegseth, a Fox News personality and former combat veteranfaces claims of excessive drinking and aggressive acts towards women. He has denied all charges.

Detractors of the 44-year-old nominee also point to his inexperience and Ministry of Defence‘s massive budget as a mismatch.

“Pete Hegseth has to prove himself,” Clark said. “He has to earn their respect. It’s one thing to have the office, but to actually do the job is another.”

If confirmed, which Clark believes is likely, what matters most to Hegseth is who he works with — preferably those with more bureaucratic experience.

“He’s got to have people around him that he trusts that have that experience,” Clark added. “Because you’re managing a huge amount of bureaucracy … it requires attention to detail and management skills.”

NewsNations Joe Khalil andJeff Arnold contributed to this story.

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