Sorry. Hegseth is not dumber. He is simply more corrupt and morally reprehensible. Trump is so dumb regarding foreign affairs and so blindly narcissistic, that he actually thinks he knows more than everyone. So, regardless of who he chooses for any position, he automatically believes their "intellect" is inferior. However, Trump knows a drunk-ass, chauvinistic grifter when he sees one. And, Hegseth passes that test with flying colors.