Pete Hegseth, a prominent figure from Fox News, has faced scrutiny regarding his conduct during his time at the network. Allegations of concerning behavior, specifically related to alcohol consumption, have surfaced from multiple sources who worked alongside him at Fox News. These claims raise questions about his professionalism and conduct while in the public eye as a Fox News host.
Concerns regarding Hegseth’s drinking habits reportedly circulated among his colleagues at Fox News. According to a report by NBC News, ten current and former Fox employees spoke about instances that caused them worry. Two individuals specifically mentioned smelling alcohol on Hegseth on more than a dozen occasions before he was due to appear on “Fox & Friends Weekend,” a show he co-hosted starting in 2017. These same individuals, along with another source, recounted instances where Hegseth allegedly appeared on television after mentioning being hungover while preparing for or being on set. One source even claimed to have smelled alcohol on him as recently as last month and heard him complain of hangovers this past fall.
While these sources expressed their concerns, none could recall an instance where Hegseth missed a scheduled appearance due to drinking. One former Fox employee stated that these concerns were openly discussed behind the scenes before he went on air, indicating a pattern of behavior that was noticeable to those around him.
These allegations from his time at Fox News are not isolated incidents. A report in The New Yorker detailed similar concerns about Hegseth’s drinking during his previous roles at nonprofit veterans’ groups. The report cited a whistle-blower account from Hegseth’s tenure as president of Concerned Veterans for America (from 2013 to 2016), alleging repeated intoxication while acting in his official capacity, even to the point of needing physical assistance to leave organizational events.
In response to The New Yorker’s report, Tim Parlatore, Hegseth’s lawyer, dismissed the claims as “outlandish” and originating from a “petty and jealous disgruntled former associate.” He questioned the journalistic integrity of The New Yorker’s reporting, suggesting a lack of factual basis to the allegations.
The NBC News report further elaborates on the concerns during Hegseth’s Fox News career, based on interviews with three current and seven former Fox employees. All sources requested anonymity, citing fear of retaliation, highlighting a potentially sensitive work environment regarding these issues. Three current employees indicated that concerns about his drinking persisted until Hegseth’s departure from Fox. One former employee described Hegseth as “charming” but someone who “acted like the rules didn’t apply to him,” suggesting a disregard for professional norms.
A spokesperson for the Trump transition team defended Hegseth, labeling the allegations as “completely unfounded and false” and “defamatory lies.” They emphasized Hegseth’s status as a “decorated combat veteran” and asserted that he would not jeopardize his military service or any potential future roles. Hegseth’s lawyer, Parlatore, directed NBC News to this statement from the Trump transition spokesperson when asked for comment. Fox News itself did not respond to requests for comments on these allegations.
The descriptions of Hegseth’s behavior at Fox News raise questions about his capacity to handle demanding responsibilities, particularly in roles requiring constant readiness and decision-making. The article points to the nature of high-level positions, such as Secretary of Defense, which demand round-the-clock availability and the ability to respond to crises at any time. Examples of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin being awakened at 3 a.m. for a national security issue and the immediate response required after the October 7, 2023 attack in Israel illustrate the constant vigilance needed. The article emphasizes the serious nature of decisions a defense secretary might face, such as the hypothetical scenario of deciding whether to shoot down a civilian aircraft to protect against threats, highlighting the potential for life-and-death consequences.
Echoing these concerns, one former Fox employee expressed hope that Hegseth had ceased drinking, “for the sake of national security,” while another stated definitively that “his drinking should be disqualifying” for a role like Secretary of Defense. The article draws a historical parallel to the 1989 Senate rejection of President George H.W. Bush’s nominee for defense secretary, former Sen. John Tower, due in part to concerns about Tower’s drinking history, demonstrating precedent for such issues affecting high-level appointments.
The report details the practical implications of Hegseth’s alleged behavior on his Fox News colleagues. As a co-host of “Fox & Friends Weekend,” the early morning schedule required him to be at work before dawn. While female co-hosts arrived around 4 a.m. for preparation, male co-hosts typically arrived around 5:15 a.m. for a 6 a.m. show. However, colleagues reported feeling the need to “babysit” Hegseth due to concerns about his drinking and late nights. They described having to call him to ensure he didn’t oversleep, anticipating he might have been “out partying the night before.” Another colleague described the added stress Hegseth’s behavior brought to the already demanding environment of morning television.
Sources indicated that Hegseth sometimes arrived as late as 20 minutes before airtime, causing further stress to his colleagues. Makeup artists reportedly had to apply his makeup while he was already on set due to his late arrivals. While the sources could not definitively link his lateness solely to drinking, it contributed to a chaotic and pressured atmosphere for his team.
Further adding to the controversies surrounding Hegseth, the article revisits a whistle-blower report that alleged heavy drinking at work events, including a team outing to a strip club in 2014 where he reportedly became so intoxicated he had to be physically restrained. Former Fox News colleagues also corroborated accounts of Hegseth drinking heavily at social events with Fox News staff, with one describing him as getting “absolutely wasted.”
Beyond alcohol-related concerns, the article also briefly mentions a released police report from Monterey, California, detailing a 2017 investigation into a sexual assault accusation against Hegseth following a Republican women’s convention. The accuser, referred to as “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. Despite this, Hegseth confirmed settling with the woman for an undisclosed amount, which his lawyer described as a decision made during the “height of the MeToo movement” and to resolve a false claim.
In conclusion, Pete Hegseth’s time at Fox News is marked by allegations of concerning drinking habits that extended to previous roles. These claims, brought forth by numerous sources, raise questions about his professional conduct and suitability for positions demanding constant vigilance and sound decision-making. While Hegseth and his representatives have denied or downplayed many of these allegations, the consistent nature of the reports from various sources paints a picture of a pattern of behavior that has caused concern among colleagues and observers alike.
