Recent reports and resurfaced allegations have cast a spotlight on Fox News host Pete Hegseth, prompting questions about his future with the network. While there’s no current confirmation of Pete Hegseth leaving Fox News, scrutiny surrounding his conduct, particularly concerning alleged on-air behavior and past incidents, raises valid questions about his standing. This article delves into the details of these allegations, examining the context and exploring potential implications for his role at Fox News.
Concerns about Hegseth’s behavior at Fox News surfaced in a report by NBC News, citing interviews with ten current and former Fox employees. These sources, who remained anonymous due to fear of retaliation, detailed instances where they allegedly smelled alcohol on Hegseth before he went on air for “Fox & Friends Weekend.” According to two individuals, this occurred on more than a dozen occasions since his co-hosting role began in 2017. Further, these sources, along with another colleague, claimed Hegseth appeared on television after mentioning being hungover while preparing for the show or on set. One source even claimed to have smelled alcohol on him as recently as the previous month of the report and heard him complain of a hangover that fall.
Despite these alleged incidents, none of the NBC News sources could recall Hegseth missing a scheduled appearance due to drinking. However, the atmosphere behind the scenes was reportedly tense. “Everyone would be talking about it behind the scenes before he went on the air,” one former Fox employee stated, highlighting the unease among colleagues.
These allegations at Fox News are not isolated incidents. A report in The New Yorker further detailed concerns about Hegseth’s drinking habits during his time at two nonprofit veterans’ groups prior to joining Fox. The report cited a “previously undisclosed whistle-blower report” from his tenure as president of Concerned Veterans for America (2013-2016). This report allegedly described Hegseth as “repeatedly intoxicated while acting in his official capacity — to the point of needing to be carried out of the organization’s events.”
Tim Parlatore, Hegseth’s lawyer, dismissed these claims as “outlandish” and originating from a “petty and jealous disgruntled former associate,” as reported by The New Yorker.
Adding another layer to the scrutiny, three current Fox employees indicated that concerns about Hegseth’s drinking persisted until he was considered for a position by the Trump administration. While the original article mentions a potential nomination for defense secretary, it’s important to note this did not materialize. It’s stated that Hegseth left Fox around the time of this consideration, although the context suggests this was temporary and linked to the potential role, not a permanent departure from the network.
One former employee described Hegseth as “such a charming guy, but he just acted like the rules didn’t apply to him,” encapsulating a sentiment of frustration with his alleged behavior.
A spokesperson for the Trump transition team defended Hegseth, calling the allegations “completely unfounded and false” and “defamatory lies.” Parlatore, Hegseth’s lawyer, echoed this sentiment, referring NBC News to the transition team’s statement. Fox News itself did not provide any comment on the allegations.
The concerns raised by Hegseth’s former colleagues directly relate to the demanding nature of high-profile positions, particularly those in government or media. The article highlights the 24/7 responsibilities of a Secretary of Defense, using examples of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s schedule to illustrate the need for constant readiness and sound judgment. This context underscores the seriousness of the allegations against Hegseth, particularly if such behavior were to impact his ability to perform under pressure in any role, including his on-air presence at Fox News.
Historically, concerns about alcohol consumption have derailed careers in Washington. The article references the 1989 Senate rejection of President George H.W. Bush’s nominee for defense secretary, former Sen. John Tower, partly due to concerns about his drinking history. This historical precedent adds weight to the current allegations against Hegseth and their potential impact on his professional trajectory.
Within Fox News, the alleged behavior reportedly created additional stress for Hegseth’s colleagues. One current and two former employees described feeling the need to “babysit” him due to his drinking and late nights. They claimed to have called him to ensure he didn’t oversleep and arrive late for “Fox & Friends Weekend,” which starts at 6 a.m. ET. Sources indicated he sometimes arrived with very little time before going on air, causing further stress and requiring rushed preparations. While the sources couldn’t definitively link his lateness solely to drinking, it contributed to a perception of unprofessionalism.
The New Yorker’s whistleblower report also included an account of Hegseth allegedly drinking heavily at a work event for Concerned Veterans for America, culminating in an incident at a strip club in 2014. Furthermore, two former Fox employees stated Hegseth drank heavily at social events with Fox News colleagues, with one describing him as getting “absolutely wasted.”
Adding to the controversies, the Monterey, California, Police Department released records last month regarding a 2017 investigation into a sexual assault accusation against Hegseth. The accuser, “Jane Doe,” suggested her drink might have been spiked. Hegseth denied any wrongdoing, and no charges were filed. His lawyer stated the police investigation found the allegation to be false. However, Hegseth did confirm settling with the woman for an undisclosed amount, a decision his lawyer attributed to the “MeToo movement” climate.
Conclusion:
While Pete Hegseth continues to appear on Fox News, the persistent allegations surrounding his conduct, particularly his alleged drinking habits and the impact on his professional behavior, remain a subject of scrutiny. The question “Is Pete Hegseth Leaving Fox News?” remains unanswered in the affirmative, but the cloud of these allegations undoubtedly casts a shadow over his future prospects and standing within the network. The combination of on-air concerns, past incidents at veterans’ organizations, and the resurfaced sexual assault accusation create a complex narrative that Fox News and Hegseth himself will need to navigate as he continues his role at the network. The long-term implications of these allegations for his career remain to be seen.
