Donald Trump’s choice of Pete Hegseth to run the Pentagon has brought a backlash in Washington military circles as officials decry a “crazy” move to appoint a “bomb thrower” lacking the clout needed to lead the world’s most powerful defence department.

Trump nominated Hegseth, a Fox News host known for his attacks on “wokeness”, on Tuesday — one of several controversial national security picks by the president-elect in a rapid-fire 24 hours of cabinet nominations that sparked scorn from opponents and alarm from US allies.

Hegseth’s critics described him as unprepared for a pivotal job during a period of global conflict — and a threat to the stability of the US defence establishment. The TV host, who also served in the US military, has proposed firing top military leaders including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.