The Liberty Score is a rating system assessing how closely an individual’s views align with core Libertarian principles. Scores are based on a 0-100 scale, with 100 representing a fully Libertarian position and 0 representing complete opposition to Libertarian values. The grading criteria include:

  1. Personal Freedom (25 points): Support for individual rights in personal choices, including medical freedom, privacy, and bodily autonomy.
  2. Economic Freedom (25 points): Advocacy for a free-market economy, low taxation, and minimal government interference in business.
  3. Limited Government (25 points): Commitment to reducing the size and scope of government, limiting regulatory power, and upholding states’ rights.
  4. Non-Intervention (25 points): Opposition to unnecessary foreign entanglements, support for a non-interventionist foreign policy, and minimal military presence abroad.

Each category will be scored, then averaged to form the individual’s overall Liberty Score, providing a clear snapshot of their alignment with Libertarian ideals. Grades are provided by AI

Pete Hegseth

Secretary of Defense
Status: Confirmed by Campaign
Liberty Score: 40
Warhawk Status: WARHAWK

Liberty Score Assessment:

  • Personal Freedom (10/25): Pete Hegseth has supported policies that increase surveillance and data collection in the name of national security, which raises concerns about individual privacy rights.

  • Economic Freedom (10/25): While Hegseth advocates for free-market principles, he has supported certain government interventions, such as subsidies for specific industries, indicating a mixed stance on economic freedom.

  • Limited Government (10/25): His support for expansive national security measures and certain economic interventions suggests a preference for a more active government role in these areas.

  • Non-Intervention (10/25): Hegseth has consistently supported military interventions and a robust U.S. presence abroad, aligning with a more interventionist foreign policy stance.

Bio:

Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host and Army National Guard officer, has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump for the position of Secretary of Defense. Known for his conservative views and vocal support of Trump’s policies, Hegseth has been a prominent commentator on military and national security issues. His military experience includes deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, where he received two Bronze Stars and two Army Commendation Medals. As the leader of advocacy groups like Vets for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America, Hegseth has also championed issues important to veterans and service members. His nomination may face Senate scrutiny due to his limited senior military leadership experience.

Career Highlights:

  • Fox News Host: Co-hosted “Fox & Friends Weekend,” where he discussed conservative perspectives on national issues.
  • Military Service: Served as an Army National Guard officer with deployments to Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan, earning multiple commendations.
  • Veterans’ Advocacy: Led organizations such as Vets for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America, promoting policies supporting military personnel and veterans.
  • Author and Public Speaker: Authored books and delivered speeches on military and political topics, with a focus on national security and conservative principles.

About the Secretary of Defense Role:

The Secretary of Defense is responsible for overseeing the Department of Defense, managing military operations, readiness, and policy for a budget of approximately $850 billion and a workforce of nearly 3 million, including military and civilian personnel. This role involves advising the President on defense matters, directing defense policies, and ensuring the nation’s military strength. Hegseth’s nomination aligns with Trump’s “America First” approach, with a potential focus on reinforcing military readiness and reassessing international defense commitments.