Trump Picks Unconventional Team for National Security and Middle East

President-elect Donald Trump has selected some surprising names for his national security and foreign policy team. Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host with no government experience, is set to become the secretary of defence. Trump believes Hegseth will bring a tough and smart approach to America's military. Meanwhile, John Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman and staunch Trump ally, is tapped to head the CIA. Critics have raised concerns about Ratcliffe's use of his previous role as director of national intelligence for political purposes.If confirmed, Ratcliffe would be the first to hold both the CIA director and director of national intelligence roles. Trump also announced other appointments, including Mike Huckabee as the US ambassador to Israel and Steve Witkoff as the special envoy for the Middle East. The choices suggest a friendlier approach towards Israeli government policies compared to the Biden administration. It remains unclear, however, if these steps will help resolve ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.