Trump Makes Flurry of Defense Appointments Ahead of Christmas Holiday
AP Photo/Evan Vucci
President-elect Donald Trump made a flurry of Defense appointments on Sunday afternoon in support his embattled Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth.
Trump appointed multiple people to the Defense Department, including Elbridge Colby as under secretary of defense for policy, Michael Duffey as under secretary for acquisition, Emil Michael as under secretary for research, and Keith Bass for assistant secretary for Health Affairs.
Many of the appointments Trump noted will help boost support for Hegseth as he faces a tough confirmation process on Capitol Hill. Trump made the announcements via Truth Social on Sunday afternoon.
“Elbridge “Bridge” Colby will serve as Under Secretary of Defense for Policy,” Trump wrote. “A highly respected advocate for our America First foreign and defense policy, Bridge will work closely with my outstanding Secretary of Defense Nominee, Pete Hegseth, to restore our Military power, and achieve my policy of PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.”
Regarding Bass, Trump stated that he is a “retired Navy Commander with over 30 years of Health Care experience. He has led Medical Departments in the Department of Defense, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the White House Medical Unit. Keith will be leading the charge to ensure our Troops are healthy, and receiving the best Medical Care possible.”
Trump announces several major Pentagon picks:
-Under Secretary of Defense for Policy: “Bridge” Colby
-Under Sec for Acquisition: Michael Duffey
-Under Sec for Research: Emil Michael
-Assistant Sec for Health Affairs: Keith Bass
-Defense CoS: Joe Kasper— Gram Slattery (@G_Slattery) December 22, 2024
“Mike has been a strong advocate for our Warfighters and the American Taxpayer throughout his many years of public service, including in the Department of Defense, and the Office of Management and Budget of my First Administration,” Trump wrote of Duffey. “Mike will drive change at the Pentagon and, as a staunch proponent of an America First approach to our National Defense, will work to revitalize our Defense Industrial Base, and rebuild our Military.”
Hegseth’s Senate confirmation process to lead the Pentagon may be tough as he faces multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and substance abuse.
