Tag Archives: Pete Hegseth

CNN reports: Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for secretary of defense, has repeatedly criticized policies allowing gay people to serve openly in the US military, calling them part of a “Marxist” agenda to prioritize social justice over combat readiness. In his 2024 book “The War on Warriors” and in subsequent media promotions this year, Hegseth described both the original …

Mediaite reports: Jesse Eisinger, a senior editor and reporter at ProPublica, hit back at President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Pentagon on Wednesday after Pete Hegseth attacked the news organization for inquiring about his acceptance to West Point. Hegseth, a former Fox News morning show host and pro-MAGA culture warrior, wrote on X, “We understand that ProPublica (the Left …

Mediaite reports: Newsmax instructed staff to lay off Pete Hegseth, the Fox News host Donald Trump nominated to serve as his secretary of defense, after a segment bashing the pick sparked the ire of Trump himself. Greg Kelly, who helms the 9 p.m. hour on Newsmax, tore into Hegseth last week, calling him “blackmailable” because of his “baggage” and arguing …

“What you’re seeing is a military right now that is more interested in social engineering led by this president than they are in war fighting. So, as a result, through Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and women in the military and these standards, they’re going to inevitably start to erode standards because they want that one female special operator, that one …

From last month’s report by Right Wing Watch: When Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Fox News host Pete Hegseth to serve as Secretary of Defense, concerns were raised immediately about Hegseth’s undisguised Christian nationalism. Hegseth, who has admitted that his multiple crusader tattoos got him “deemed an extremist” by his own National Guard unit, has deep ties to …

Politico reports: In recent days, allies of Trump adopted an approach that is not novel for the president-elect and his followers: Make life extremely uncomfortable for anyone who dares to oppose him. The swarm of MAGA attacks that Sen. Joni Ernst has experienced is a warning of what’s in store for others who express skepticism of his personnel choices. Days …

“I appreciate Pete Hegseth’s responsiveness and respect for the process. Following our encouraging conversations, Pete committed to completing a full audit of the Pentagon and selecting a senior official who will uphold the roles and value of our servicemen and women — based on quality and standards, not quotas — and who will prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent …

Playbook reports: Mike David — the former top Senate GOP aide who is perhaps Trump’s fiercest legal defender — is something of an outside adviser on the transition. And he’s mobilizing his Article III Project to become the tip of the spear in building pressure from the base on Republican senators to confirm Hegseth. In recent days, after a blitz …

The Associated Press reports: Sen. Joni Ernst made her most expansive comments yet on Pete Hegseth, telling a largely GOP audience at a California security conference Saturday that she needs to hear more from President-elect Donald Trump’s embattled defense secretary pick on key issues before she decides whether to support him. ”I am a survivor of sexual assault,” said Ernst …

The Associated Press reports: Military leaders are rattled by a list of “woke” senior officers that a conservative group urged Pete Hegseth to dismiss for promoting diversity in the ranks if he is confirmed to lead the Pentagon. The list compiled by the American Accountability Foundation includes 20 general officers or senior admirals and a disproportionate number of female officers.  …

“I’m optimistic about it. I’ve talked to a number of senators personally on the Hill just over the last couple of days and it seems like the momentum’s moving the right way. Look, I like how he’s approached it. We’ve all made mistakes in our lives, but we believe in redemption. “What Pete brings to the table is a love …

NBC News reports: “It looks like Pete is doing well now,” Trump said in an exclusive interview with “Meet the Press” Moderator Kristen Welker that will air Sunday.” “I mean, people were a little bit concerned. He’s a young guy, with a tremendous track record actually. He went to Princeton and went to Harvard. He was a good student at …

“I know he’s under fire in the Senate, but he’s under fire from squishy senators who have been against everything we want to do. And so I hope he holds the line all the way through. I’m defending him and we should all defend him. “You know, look, we’ve all had some indiscretions in our past and things like that. …

“Pete Hegseth is doing very well. His support is strong and deep, much more so than the Fake News would have you believe. He was a great student – Princeton/Harvard educated – with a Military state of mind. He will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense Defense, one who leads with charisma and skill. Pete is a WINNER, …

“Pete Hegseth is no Matt Gaetz. He hasn’t done nearly enough for MAGA to warrant a Department of Defense job, and he’s got serious baggage. Serious baggage. It happens sometimes. Not every pick is perfect. “Where do I get this stuff, by the way? Not from the fake news, but from this guy. Tim Parlatore is Hegseth’s attorney and he’s …

“Quite frankly, with the violation of the of the agreement, you know, if he is not confirmed as the secretary of defense, we may still bring a civil extortion claim against her. “If the false claims of somebody that was part of an extortion that was then put out in violation of a settlement agreement ultimately causes him to lose …

The Washington Post reports: At Fox News, Hegseth had a reputation as a heavy drinker, according to six former Fox News employees who worked directly with Hegseth and saw him drinking on the job or visibly drunk at work events and who spoke on the condition of anonymity out of fear of retaliation. Several years ago, during a St. Patrick’s …

Politico reports: Sen. Joni Ernst isn’t ready to throw her weight behind Pete Hegseth’s bid to lead the Pentagon, she said Thursday on Fox News. Ernst (R-Iowa), who had a “frank and thorough” conversation with the Defense Department pick on Wednesday, was asked on “America’s Newsroom” if she’s not ready to vote yes on Hegseth amid allegations of sexual misconduct …

The New York Times reports: More than once during his early years at the network, Mr. Hegseth’s heavy drinking and raucous behavior at Fox News-related events escalated into episodes that were addressed by company officials or co-workers. Those incidents underscore concerns about his behavior that have imperiled his prospects to lead the Pentagon. At Fox News, the network’s human resources …

“I’ve heard everything about all of these people, none of it counts, no rumors, no innuendo. I’ve known Pete Hegseth for a long time. I served with him in Afghanistan. The people over there said nothing but great things about him. The allegations against Pete are all anonymous sources. I am not going to make ANY decision based on anonymous sources. …