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Pete Hegseth will be the next defence secretary, Trump just announced in a campaign release.

Hegseth is an army veteran, a Fox News host and former head of two advocacy groups for military veterans. He previously ran unsuccessfully for a Senate seat in Minnesota.

"Pete is tough, smart and a true believer in America First," Trump wrote in a statement. "With Pete at the helm, America’s enemies are on notice - Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down."

His appointment is one of the most highly anticipated in Trump's cabinet as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza rage on.

"Nobody fights harder for the Troops and Pete will be a courageous and patriotic champion of our 'Peace through Strength' policy," Trump said.