Pete Hegseth, a prominent figure in conservative media, is well-known for his outspoken views and his time as a co-host on Fox News’ popular morning show, “Fox & Friends Weekend.” However, questions have arisen regarding his departure from the network, particularly in light of reports detailing concerns about his behavior. This article delves into the circumstances surrounding Pete Hegseth’s exit from Fox News and the allegations that have surfaced, painting a comprehensive picture for those seeking to understand the situation.
Pete Hegseth’s Exit from Fox News: A Timeline of Events
While there wasn’t a dramatic or sudden announcement of Pete Hegseth “leaving” Fox News in the traditional sense, his absence from “Fox & Friends Weekend” became noticeable around the time his name was floated as a potential nominee for Secretary of Defense under President-elect Donald Trump. According to reports from NBC News, citing current and former Fox employees, concerns about Hegseth’s conduct pre-dated this potential nomination, but his departure from his regular on-air role coincided with this period.
It’s crucial to understand that Hegseth didn’t publicly announce a departure from Fox News due to these allegations. Instead, the timeline suggests a more nuanced situation where his potential transition into a government role, coupled with internal concerns at Fox, led to him stepping away from his co-hosting duties. While Fox News never officially stated he was fired or resigned due to the allegations, the timing of his absence and the surfacing of these reports are undeniably linked in the public narrative.
Allegations of On-Air Intoxication at Fox News
The core of the controversy surrounding Pete Hegseth’s time at Fox News revolves around serious allegations of alcohol consumption that reportedly impacted his professional conduct. NBC News interviewed ten current and former Fox employees who raised concerns about Hegseth’s drinking habits while he was a co-host of “Fox & Friends Weekend,” a position he began in 2017.
These sources, who remained anonymous due to fear of retaliation, described instances where they allegedly smelled alcohol on Hegseth before he went on air. Two individuals specifically stated this occurred on more than a dozen occasions. Furthermore, multiple sources claimed that Hegseth appeared on television after they had heard him discussing being hungover while preparing for the show or while on set. One source even claimed to have smelled alcohol on him as recently as the month prior to the report and heard him complain about being hungover in the fall of that year.
Despite these serious allegations, the NBC News report also notes that none of the sources could recall an instance where Hegseth actually missed a scheduled appearance due to drinking. However, the atmosphere surrounding his behavior seems to have been a point of concern. As one former Fox employee stated, “Everyone would be talking about it behind the scenes before he went on the air.”
Prior Concerns: Drinking Allegations at Veterans’ Groups
Adding another layer to the narrative, The New Yorker published a report detailing concerns about Pete Hegseth’s drinking habits prior to his Fox News career, during his time at two non-profit veterans’ groups. A whistleblower report, reportedly concerning Hegseth’s tenure as president of Concerned Veterans for America from 2013 to 2016, described “repeated intoxication while acting in his official capacity — to the point of needing to be carried out of the organization’s events.”
This report paints a picture of a pattern of behavior that extends beyond his time at Fox News, suggesting a longer history of alleged issues with alcohol consumption in professional settings.
Implications for a High-Pressure Role and Historical Context
The allegations surrounding Pete Hegseth’s drinking habits raise serious questions, particularly given the immense responsibility associated with roles like Secretary of Defense. The original NBC News article emphasizes the “round-the-clock duties” involved in managing the Pentagon and its millions of employees. The Secretary of Defense must be available at all hours to respond to crises, make critical decisions, and ensure national security.
The article provides examples of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin being awakened in the middle of the night for urgent matters, and highlights the constant vigilance required to protect against threats. This context underscores the gravity of the concerns raised about Hegseth’s alleged drinking, as any impairment could have severe consequences in such a demanding role.
The article also draws a historical parallel to the 1989 Senate rejection of President George H.W. Bush’s nominee for defense secretary, former Sen. John Tower. Tower’s nomination was rejected, in part, due to concerns about his own history of drinking, demonstrating that such issues have been considered disqualifying for high-level defense positions in the past.
Hegseth’s Defense, Fox News’ Silence, and Lingering Questions
Pete Hegseth, through his lawyer Tim Parlatore, has vehemently denied the allegations. Parlatore dismissed the claims reported by The New Yorker as “outlandish” and attributed them to a “petty and jealous disgruntled former associate.” Regarding the NBC News report, Parlatore referred to a statement from the Trump transition team spokesperson who called the allegations “completely unfounded and false” and “defamatory lies.”
Fox News itself has remained notably silent, declining to respond to requests for comment on the allegations. This silence, coupled with Hegseth’s departure from his regular on-air role around the time these concerns surfaced, leaves many questions unanswered.
Furthermore, the article mentions a 2017 sexual assault accusation against Hegseth, which was investigated but did not result in charges. While Hegseth denies wrongdoing in this case as well, and settled with the accuser, it adds to the complex picture surrounding his professional conduct and public image.
Conclusion: A Complex Picture of Pete Hegseth’s Fox Exit
In conclusion, while there isn’t a clear-cut answer as to whether Pete Hegseth “left Fox News” in a definitive manner directly due to the drinking allegations, the timeline and reports strongly suggest a connection. His departure from “Fox & Friends Weekend” coincided with consideration for a high-level government position and the surfacing of serious concerns about his behavior, both at Fox News and in previous roles.
The allegations of on-air intoxication and past incidents of heavy drinking paint a concerning picture, especially when considered in the context of the demanding responsibilities of high-level public service. While Hegseth and his representatives have denied the allegations, the reports from multiple sources and Fox News’ silence leave lingering questions about the circumstances surrounding his time at the network and his suitability for positions of significant responsibility. Ultimately, the question of “Did Pete Hegseth Leave Fox” is intertwined with a larger narrative of alleged conduct and its potential implications, creating a complex and multifaceted situation.
