Former Fox News host and extreme Donald Trump supporter Pete Hegseth has taken on a new role. He will take over from Yvette Davids at the helm of the US Naval Academy. Just months after breaking history, Davids became the first woman to head up the storied institution. She assumed this new role in January 2024. The announcement has led to a firestorm of criticism, most notably because of Hegseth’s previous statements on the subject — specifically, regarding women in the military.
In recent years, Hegseth has drawn outrage for his incendiary comments about women in the military. In November’s podcast, he said unequivocally, “We need to get the women out of the combat areas. He stated that it has done little to make us more effective, and/or lethal. In fact, he thinks it’s made warfare more complex. His comments have raised alarm over his commitment to women’s equality in the armed forces. This is extremely alarming, especially considering the rapidly increasing percentage of women entering the armed forces.
In a confirmation hearing held earlier this year, Hegseth praised female troops. He stressed that this endorsement depends on upholding military quality. He later removed Vice Admiral Shoshana Chatfield, who was the United States’ military representative at NATO’s military committee. This decision drew even greater scrutiny of his stance on women serving in the military.
Yvette Davids’ reassignment exemplifies a pernicious trend during the Trump administration. This pattern is more broad than just the abrupt removal of women and people of color from high-ranking military positions. Officials are characterizing these moves as an effort to eliminate the scourge of what they have termed “wokeness.” This movement aims to challenge these ranks in the most direct way possible.
Despite her departure from the Naval Academy, Davids has been nominated for a senior position on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations. In a statement, she expressed hope for her future role: “I’m honored to be nominated as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans, Strategy, and Warfighting Development. I hope to have the opportunity to continue serving beside America’s strongest warfighters.
Hegseth’s opposition to women serving in combat positions has cast serious doubt on his leadership style and priorities. As he put it, “Dads encourage us to get in trouble. Moms want to put training wheels on our bicycles. We need mothers there. We shouldn’t need mothers in the military. Not in combat units. These perspectives generated necessary conversations. They write about what his appointment will mean for women service members in the Navy and beyond.
Michael Borgschulte, who is replacing David’s position at the Naval Academy, will step into David’s shoes. Most recently, he was the deputy commandant for manpower and reserve affairs, where he oversaw Marine Corps personnel. This pivot out of COVID-19 represents Public’s new leadership at the institution that is deeply needed. For years, it’s been hailed for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
As this transition unfolds, many will be watching closely to see how Hegseth’s appointment impacts policies and culture at the US Naval Academy.