Fox News host Pete Hegseth arrives at Trump Tower on Nov. 29, 2016 in New York City. AFP-Yonhap

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday nominated military veteran and Fox News host Pete Hegseth to serve as defense secretary when the Republican takes back the White House in January.

"With Pete at the helm, America's enemies are on notice — Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down," Trump said in a statement. (AFP)