Pete Hegseth, recently nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as defense secretary, has faced troubling allegations regarding his drinking behavior and conduct while working at Fox News. An NBC News report, which cites accounts from ten current and former Fox News employees, revealed that Hegseth was often perceived as having been under the influence before going on air. Specifically, two sources reported smelling alcohol on him over a dozen times during his tenure as co-host of “Fox & Friends Weekend” starting in 2017. Furthermore, these sources noted instances when Hegseth arrived at the studio while discussing feelings of being hungover, raising serious concerns among his colleagues about his drinking habits leading up to Trump’s announcement of his nomination. Nonetheless, these reports indicated that Hegseth never missed a scheduled appearance because of his drinking.
In the wake of these allegations, a spokesperson for Trump’s transition team vehemently denied the claims, citing them as unfounded and defamatory. The spokesperson highlighted Hegseth’s background as a decorated combat veteran, asserting that he would not jeopardize his reputation or nomination. Timothy Parlatore, Hegseth’s attorney, reiterated the dismissive stance regarding the allegations and referred inquiries to the spokesperson’s statement. Meanwhile, Fox News opted not to comment further on the allegations brought forth by NBC News, leaving the network’s position unclear amidst the growing scrutiny surrounding Hegseth.
Compounding the concerns, a separate investigation by The New Yorker surfaced allegations relating to Hegseth’s time running nonprofit veterans’ organizations, notably indicating instances of public intoxication and troubling sexual behavior. An anonymous source who participated in a whistleblower report regarding Hegseth’s actions at Concerned Veterans for America described numerous occurrences of excessive drinking, expressing fear over the prospect of Hegseth leading the Pentagon. Despite such serious claims, neither NBC News nor MSNBC verified the details shared in The New Yorker’s report, leaving a cloud of uncertainty surrounding the allegations.
Past incidents have resurfaced as part of the renewed scrutiny directed toward Hegseth following his nomination. He has faced accusations of a sexual assault that reportedly took place in 2017 after he attended a Republican women’s conference. Although police investigated the matter, the local district attorney opted not to file charges, citing lack of evidence sufficient to support the claims. Hegseth, while acknowledging the existence of a civil settlement with his accuser, has maintained that the encounter was consensual, adding complexity to the narrative surrounding his personal conduct and claims against him.
In addition to allegations of assault, deeper familial issues have also emerged, particularly concerning an email his mother sent during his contentious divorce from his second wife. The email accused Hegseth of being an “abuser of women,” contributing to a troubling personal history that contradicts his public persona. While Hegseth’s mother later apologized for her comments, the damage was done, leaving a stain on his character that could have implications for his confirmation and public perception as a leader of the Pentagon.
This confluence of allegations has placed Hegseth under intense scrutiny, with his background and past behaviors bringing into question his suitability for a top defense position. His public and private lives appear to be intertwined in a manner that raises alarms about his potential to lead effectively in a high-profile role. As the incoming administration considers his nomination, the emerging narratives surrounding Hegseth may shape the discourse not only about him but about ethics and accountability within governmental appointments. The ongoing discussions reflect broader societal concerns over the qualifications and conduct of those placed in positions of power, especially regarding issues of integrity and respect within the military community and beyond.