Trump's Defense Nominee Hegseth Faces Misconduct Allegations; Six GOP Senators Question Confirmation

Dec 3, 2024, 08:02 PM

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense, is facing allegations of financial mismanagement, sexual impropriety, and personal misconduct stemming from his leadership of Veterans for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America. A previously undisclosed whistleblower report, obtained by The New Yorker and reported by Jane Mayer, describes instances where Hegseth was repeatedly intoxicated while acting in his official capacity, including needing to be carried out of events. Further allegations include misuse of donor funds, harassment of women, and creating a culture of sexism within the organizations. In 2018, Hegseth's mother reportedly emailed him accusing him of mistreating women and urging him to "get some help." Additionally, ten current and former Fox News employees have expressed concerns about Hegseth's drinking habits during his tenure as a co-host on "Fox & Friends Weekend," with some stating they smelled alcohol on him before he went on air on more than a dozen occasions. Reports also mention an incident where Hegseth allegedly chanted "Kill all Muslims" in a drunken rage at a veterans group event in 2015. As a result of these allegations, at least six Republican senators are reportedly uncomfortable supporting his nomination, putting his confirmation in peril.