Bob Woodward, an experienced journalist, expressed concerns on Monday about President-elect Trump’s apparent effort to establish an “imperial presidency” through his selection of appointees with minimal relevant experience.
In an interview on MSNBC’s Inside with Jen Psaki, Woodward specifically criticized Trump’s choice of Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary. The former White House press secretary questioned whether the Fox News host had the qualifications for the position.
Bob Woodward critiques Trump’s picks for key positions, questioning the qualifications of appointees like Pete Hegseth
Woodward emphasized the need for a Defense Secretary who not only understands the military but also possesses management skills. “From what I read about him, no, he doesn’t have that,” Woodward remarked about Hegseth.
He further pointed out that Hegseth lacked the management experience required to lead the Pentagon, implying that Trump’s choice was likely intentional. “Over the five decades I’ve spent reporting, I’ve known 16 Defense Secretaries, even before I was a reporter, starting with Robert McNamara,” Woodward said.
“They need to understand management, they need to know the responsibility, and they must know where the levers of power are. This appointee doesn’t have any of that.”
Woodward suggested that Trump’s reasoning for such selections may lie in his desire to consolidate power. “You have to wonder, why wouldn’t Trump pick someone with at least some experience? He’s attempting to recreate the imperial presidency, to say, ‘I can do whatever I want. It’s up to me alone,’” Woodward said.
Psaki added, “And he doesn’t want them to have the power,” to which Woodward replied, “He doesn’t want to share it.” Woodward also criticized the appointment of former Hawaii Representative Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence. Gabbard, who recently joined the Republican Party, has also been under scrutiny, especially given her controversial positions on Russia.
When asked about Gabbard’s appointment, Woodward questioned the rationale behind such choices. “What’s the purpose? There are plenty of people with varied political views and enough experience to run the Pentagon, but he picks someone with no relevant experience. You have to ask, ‘What’s the goal?’” Woodward responded.
Having written extensively on Trump, Woodward suggested that the underlying aim was to centralize power in Trump’s hands. “The goal is to give him all the say, all the power,” Woodward asserted, adding, “Why would you want someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing? It’s like the check engine light just went off, and we’re pulling into the wrong store.”
Woodward concluded by stating, “It makes no sense, and it feels like a way of giving the middle finger to the American people.”
