Part 6/14:
Schaefer’s extensive background includes advising military officials and working on the 2016 Trump transition team. His insights underline that successful leadership in defense and intelligence agencies hinges on trust, proven expertise, and the ability to navigate bureaucratic complexities. For example, his support for Pete Hegseth’s nomination as Secretary of Defense hinges on Hegseth's independence from the defense industry—a concern tied to the “revolving door” and military-industrial complex—making loyalty to the President paramount.