Pete Hegseth's Alleged Past Misconduct Jeopardizes DoD Nomination

Fox News colleagues shared concerns about Pete Hegseth's relationship with alcohol, while an unearthed 2018 email from his mother reprimanded his treatment of women. Senate Republicans expressed reluctance to confirm him as Donald Trump's pick for Secretary of Defense.

The Details: On November 29th, the New York Times (Lean Left bias) published an email Hegseth received from his mother during his second divorce, calling him out as an "abuser of women." Mrs. Hegseth later told the Times she quickly followed up to apologize and that the email had been sent "in anger, with emotion." On December 1st, the New Yorker (Left) said documents and anonymous accounts suggested Hegseth was "forced" from leadership roles in two veterans' affairs nonprofits for drunken behavior and inappropriate use of organizational funds. The new details add to media scrutiny which began with an alleged sexual assault from 2017.

Left and Center Dig In: Many left outlets found anonymous sources to corroborate accounts of Hegseth drinking inappropriately. CNN (Lean Left) accused Fox News (Right) of ignoring the story. Many left and center outlets focused on a quote from Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) calling the allegations "disturbing" and "difficult" to defend. Newsweek (Center) noted betting odds on Hegseth's confirmation fell sharply after his mother's email surfaced.

Right Media Play Defense: Right outlets portrayed the allegations as a politically motivated campaign to tank Hegseth's nomination. Breitbart (Right) described the New Yorker's source as a "former female associate" who was "insanely jealous" of Hegseth. An ex-colleague at one of the veterans' groups told the New York Post (Lean Right) Hegseth resigned due to disagreements with other leaders over Trump's foreign policy stances. Gateway Pundit (Right) said Hegseth's mother "blasted" the Times publishing the email as "disgusting."