President-elect Donald Trump has named Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host and Army veteran, as his choice for secretary of defense.

In a statement, Trump praised Hegseth as “tough, smart, and a true believer in America First,” adding that under his leadership, the military would be “great again” and America would “never back down.”

Hegseth, who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, has also been an informal adviser to Trump for years.

Although he was considered for various positions in Trump’s first term, he was passed over, CNN has reported.

Rep. Mike Waltz, initially considered for the defense post, will now serve as national security adviser.

Written by B.C. Begley