Pete Hegseth, a prominent figure in conservative media and a former co-host of “Fox & Friends Weekend,” became a subject of intense scrutiny following reports detailing concerns about his behavior while at Fox News. These reports have led many to question, Why Did Pete Hegseth Leave Fox News? While the exact circumstances of his departure are not explicitly stated as directly linked to these allegations, the timeline and nature of the claims raise significant questions about the context surrounding his exit.
Reports from NBC News, citing ten current and former Fox employees, painted a picture of Hegseth’s drinking habits causing unease among his colleagues. These sources, who remained anonymous due to fear of retaliation, alleged that on numerous occasions, they detected alcohol on Hegseth’s breath before he went on air for “Fox & Friends Weekend,” a role he held since 2017. Furthermore, some sources reported instances where Hegseth openly discussed being hungover while preparing for or being 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 about hangovers that fall. Despite these concerns, no source could recall Hegseth missing a scheduled appearance due to drinking.
These behind-the-scenes anxieties were reportedly prevalent. As one former Fox employee stated, “Everyone would be talking about it behind the scenes before he went on the air.” Adding to the complexity, The New Yorker published a detailed account highlighting similar concerns about Hegseth’s drinking during his previous roles at nonprofit veterans’ groups. This report cited a whistleblower account from his time as president of Concerned Veterans for America (2013-2016), alleging repeated intoxication in his official capacity, even to the point of requiring assistance to leave organizational events.
Concerns about Hegseth’s conduct extend beyond just Fox News. The New Yorker’s report detailed an alleged incident at a strip club during a Concerned Veterans for America team outing in 2014, where Hegseth reportedly became heavily intoxicated and had to be restrained. Additionally, reports surfaced regarding a 2017 police investigation into a sexual assault accusation against Hegseth following a Republican women’s convention. While Hegseth denied any wrongdoing and was never charged, he did confirm settling with the accuser out of court.
These allegations collectively raise questions about Hegseth’s professional behavior and judgment, particularly in roles demanding high levels of responsibility and public trust. The timing of these reports coincides with Donald Trump’s consideration of Hegseth for defense secretary, further intensifying scrutiny around his conduct and suitability for such a demanding position.
The nature of the Secretary of Defense role necessitates constant availability and sound decision-making under pressure. As illustrated by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s experience in February 2023, when he was awakened at 3 a.m. local time in Manila to address the Chinese spy balloon incident, or the rapid response required during the October 7, 2023, attack in Israel, the role demands round-the-clock vigilance. The ability to make critical decisions, potentially involving life-or-death consequences, at any hour is paramount. This context underscores the gravity of the concerns raised about Hegseth’s alleged drinking habits and their potential impact on his ability to fulfill such duties.
In response to the allegations, Hegseth’s lawyer, Tim Parlatore, dismissed them as “outlandish claims” and “defamatory lies.” He specifically addressed the sexual assault allegation, stating the police investigation found it to be false. A spokesperson for the Trump transition team echoed this sentiment, calling the allegations “completely unfounded and false” and emphasizing Hegseth’s decorated combat veteran status. Fox News, however, did not issue any comment regarding the reports of Hegseth’s behavior while he was a co-host.
While the public statements from Hegseth’s representatives strongly deny the allegations and present them as politically motivated attacks, the detailed accounts from multiple sources within Fox News and the historical context provided by The New Yorker paint a more complex picture. The convergence of these reports, particularly as Hegseth was being considered for a high-profile government position, inevitably casts a shadow over his departure from Fox News.
Ultimately, why did Pete Hegseth leave Fox News? The official reason for his departure might not be directly linked to these allegations. However, the timing and the serious nature of the concerns raised about his conduct, both at Fox News and in previous roles, cannot be ignored. These reports introduce a significant layer of complexity to understanding his exit and raise important questions about accountability and behavior within media and public life. Whether these allegations played a direct or indirect role in his departure, they undoubtedly form a critical part of the narrative surrounding Pete Hegseth’s transition away from Fox News and his subsequent career trajectory.
