On November 12, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump announced the appointment of Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host and Army National Guard officer, as the new Secretary of Defense. Hegseth, 44, previously served in Iraq and Afghanistan and holds two bronze stars. CNN analyst Scott Jennings defended this unconventional choice, criticizing the current Pentagon leadership for its handling of recent military strategies and operations, including the withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Jennings highlighted Hegseth's military credentials and education, which includes degrees from Princeton and Harvard. This announcement comes in the wake of Trump's decisive victory over Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in the recent election.
In related media developments, CNN and MSNBC have reported significant declines in viewership since the election. According to Nielsen ratings, MSNBC's flagship programs have seen decreases of up to 67% in ratings. On November 8, MSNBC attracted 596,000 viewers, while CNN garnered only 419,000, compared to 2.6 million for Fox News.
Moreover, reports indicate that CNN is preparing for extensive layoffs, potentially affecting hundreds of jobs, as the network reassesses its strategies following Trump's election. This comes amidst a broader discussion within the media about potential changes in response to the shifting political landscape.
Additionally, public reactions to Trump's victory have been mixed, with some media personalities suggesting distancing from Trump-supporting family members this holiday season. This sentiment was echoed by co-hosts on 'The View', where discussions about maintaining personal boundaries during family gatherings were highlighted.