US President Barack Obama nominated Chuck Hagel as defense secretary, and John Brennan as head of CIA. Holding a press conference on Monday, Obama formally nominated former Republican senator Chuck Hagel as the next secretary of defense, while counter-terrorism adviser John Brennan as the head of CIA. Obama said that Hagel was the leader that U.S. troops deserved, adding that Brennan was one of the most talented and respectful intelligence leaders of the country.