Pete Hegseth, a prominent figure in conservative media, was a co-host on Fox News’ popular morning show “Fox & Friends Weekend” for several years. His departure from the network coincided with reports detailing serious allegations about his behavior, specifically concerning his drinking habits both at Fox News and in previous roles. This article delves into the reasons behind Pete Hegseth’s exit from Fox News, examining the allegations that surfaced and the broader context surrounding his departure.
Allegations of Drinking at Fox News
Reports from NBC News, citing interviews with ten current and former Fox News employees, painted a picture of concerning behavior by Hegseth during his time at the network. These sources, who requested anonymity due to fear of retaliation, described multiple instances where they suspected Hegseth was under the influence of alcohol while on air.
Colleague Concerns and Eyewitness Accounts
According to the NBC News report, two individuals stated they smelled alcohol on Hegseth on over a dozen occasions before he went live on “Fox & Friends Weekend,” a show he co-hosted starting in 2017. These same individuals, along with another source, also recounted instances where Hegseth appeared on television shortly after they had heard him discussing being hungover while preparing for the show or already on set. One source even claimed to have smelled alcohol on him as recently as the month prior to the report and heard him complaining about hangovers in the fall of that year.
Despite these observations, none of the sources interviewed by NBC News could recall a specific instance where Hegseth missed a scheduled appearance due to drinking. However, one former Fox employee noted the pervasive behind-the-scenes conversations, stating, “Everyone would be talking about it behind the scenes before he went on the air.”
Incidents and Behaviors Described
Further details emerged suggesting a pattern of behavior that worried colleagues. Three current and seven former Fox employees interviewed by NBC News indicated that concerns about Hegseth’s drinking persisted until his name was mentioned as a potential pick for Secretary of Defense by then President-elect Donald Trump. It was around this time that Hegseth’s tenure at Fox News concluded.
One former employee described Hegseth as “a charming guy, but he just acted like the rules didn’t apply to him.” Adding to this, one current and two former Fox employees admitted feeling the need to “babysit” Hegseth due to his drinking and late nights. This included calling him to ensure he didn’t oversleep, anticipating he might have been out partying the previous night. Another source described the added stress Hegseth’s behavior brought to the already demanding environment of morning television.
These sources also mentioned Hegseth’s frequent late arrivals, sometimes appearing as little as 20 minutes before the show, causing stress for his colleagues and requiring rushed makeup application, sometimes even while he was already on set. While the sources couldn’t definitively link his lateness solely to drinking, it contributed to a picture of unprofessional conduct.
The New Yorker Report: Deeper Dive into Past Conduct
Adding another layer to the concerns, The New Yorker published a report detailing allegations of Hegseth’s drinking at two non-profit veterans’ groups he was associated with prior to joining Fox News. This report, citing a previously undisclosed whistleblower document from Hegseth’s time as president of Concerned Veterans for America (from 2013 to 2016), alleged repeated instances of intoxication while he was acting in his official capacity.
Concerned Veterans for America Allegations
The New Yorker’s report claimed that Hegseth’s intoxication at Concerned Veterans for America was so severe on occasions that he allegedly needed to be physically carried out of organizational events. This paints a picture of a recurring issue that extended beyond his time at Fox News and into his professional life prior to his media career.
Strip Club Incident
The whistleblower report also detailed a specific incident during a team outing to a strip club in Louisiana in November 2014. According to the allegations, Hegseth became so inebriated that he “had to be restrained” from attempting to climb onstage and dance with the strippers. These details further fueled concerns about his judgment and behavior while in professional settings.
Implications and Context
The allegations surrounding Pete Hegseth’s drinking habits raised significant questions, particularly in light of his potential consideration for high-level government positions like Secretary of Defense. The article in NBC News directly linked these concerns to his suitability for such a demanding role.
Defense Secretary Nomination and Scrutiny
The timing of these reports, coinciding with discussions about Hegseth as a potential Secretary of Defense under President Trump, is crucial. The article highlights the intense demands of the position, noting the “round-the-clock duties” and the need for constant readiness to respond to crises at any hour. Examples of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin being awakened at 3 a.m. for a national security issue and the urgent response required during the October 7th Israel attack were used to illustrate the constant vigilance demanded of the role. The article directly questions whether someone with a history of alleged alcohol-related issues could reliably handle such responsibilities.
Echoes of John Tower’s Case
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. Tower’s nomination was rejected partly due to concerns about his own history of drinking, setting a precedent for how such allegations can impact consideration for high-profile government positions. This comparison underscores the seriousness of the allegations against Hegseth in the context of his potential political aspirations.
Demands of High-Level Positions
Former colleagues quoted in the NBC News piece explicitly stated their concerns about Hegseth’s suitability for the role of Secretary of Defense. One former Fox employee stated, “For the sake of national security, I really hope he has stopped drinking,” while another asserted more directly, “He should not be secretary of defense. His drinking should be disqualifying.” These strong statements highlight the gravity of the allegations and their potential impact on national security considerations.
Hegseth’s Response and Denials
In response to the allegations, Hegseth’s lawyer, Tim Parlatore, dismissed them as “outlandish claims laundered through The New Yorker by a petty and jealous disgruntled former associate of Mr. Hegseth’s.” He further told NBC News regarding the Fox News allegations, “We’re not going to comment on outlandish claims laundered through The New Yorker by a petty and jealous disgruntled former associate of Mr. Hegseth’s. Get back to us when you try your first attempt at actual journalism.” The Trump transition team also released a statement calling the allegations “completely unfounded and false” and “defamatory lies.”
Lawyer’s Statements and Trump Team’s Defense
Parlatore and the Trump team’s spokesperson strongly denied all allegations, characterizing them as politically motivated attacks. They emphasized Hegseth’s decorated combat veteran status, arguing that he would never jeopardize his service record. Fox News itself did not respond to requests for comment on the allegations.
Sexual Assault Allegation and Settlement
Adding another layer of controversy, the article also briefly mentions a 2017 sexual assault allegation against Hegseth in Monterey, California. Police records related to this investigation were released last month. The accuser, referred to as “Jane Doe,” suggested she might have been drugged. Hegseth denied any wrongdoing and was never charged. However, it was confirmed that Hegseth paid the woman an undisclosed settlement. Parlatore framed the settlement as a pragmatic decision made during the “height of the MeToo movement” and claimed his client was “innocent collateral damage.” While this incident is presented separately from the drinking allegations, it contributes to a broader picture of controversies surrounding Hegseth.
Conclusion
While the exact reasons for Pete Hegseth’s departure from Fox News are not explicitly stated as being directly due to these allegations in any official statement from Fox News or Hegseth himself, the timeline of his departure coinciding with the surfacing of these serious accusations is notable. The reports of alleged problematic drinking, both at Fox News and in his previous roles, coupled with the scrutiny surrounding his potential government appointments, created a challenging environment. Whether directly linked or not, these converging factors provide significant context for understanding Pete Hegseth’s exit from Fox News and the controversies that have shadowed his career.
