House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., applauded Trump's selection, calling Hegseth a "great choice."
"Pete brings a lot to the table. He's got experience, and I think he'll be reform-minded in the areas that need reform. So I'm excited about the pick," Johnson told reporters on Capitol Hill, without elaborating on what programs he thinks need changing.
Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, said he was caught off guard by Trump's announcement.