Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's controversial nominee for Secretary of Defense, is under fire following revelations of alleged past misconduct, including drunkenly chanting "Kill All Muslims" during his tenure as a leader of veterans' advocacy groups. The allegations, revealed through whistleblower reports and investigations, have sparked bipartisan concerns over his suitability to oversee one of the most critical roles in national security.
A report published by The New Yorker outlines a troubling history for Hegseth during his leadership of Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) and Veterans for Freedom (VFF). In one instance, while on an official trip in May 2015, Hegseth reportedly became intoxicated at a bar in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and chanted inflammatory remarks, according to a whistleblower report cited in the article. His behavior, including allegedly attempting to join performers on stage at a strip club and repeated instances of public drunkenness, ultimately led to his removal from these roles.
Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, suggested the incidents are disqualifying. "The Secretary of Defense is involved in every issue of national security...entrusting such a role to someone with a history of this behavior is a risk we cannot take."
The accusations are compounded by claims of financial mismanagement and fostering a hostile workplace environment, particularly for female staffers. According to whistleblower accounts, Hegseth divided female employees into groups he labeled "party girls" and "not party girls," creating what has been described as a toxic environment. One whistleblower alleged that the culture at CVA permitted harassment and failed to hold offenders accountable.
Hegseth's time at VFF also raised red flags. By the end of 2008, the organization faced financial collapse under his leadership, reportedly owing over $400,000 with only $1,000 in the bank. This mismanagement alarmed donors and advisors alike, leading to his eventual resignation. Margaret Hoover, a former advisor to VFF, recently told CNN, "I watched him run an organization very poorly... The organization ultimately folded and was forced to merge with another organization who individuals felt could run and manage funds on behalf of donors more responsibly than he could."
Further allegations include an incident in Louisiana during a Senate runoff race where Hegseth allegedly took staff members to a strip club. The whistleblower report claims he was so intoxicated that he attempted to get on stage with performers. A female staffer present that evening later alleged that another male colleague attempted to assault her. While CVA implemented a no-alcohol policy at events following these incidents, the policy was rescinded under Hegseth's leadership.
In 2017, Hegseth faced a sexual assault allegation stemming from an encounter at a California hotel. While Hegseth denied the claim, citing unverified accusations against the accuser, the Monterey County District Attorney's office rejected this as baseless. Hegseth later reached a settlement with the accuser in 2020 to avoid a lawsuit.
Hegseth and his attorney have defended his record, characterizing many of the allegations as politically motivated. In response to the New Yorker article, Hegseth's attorney Tim Parlatore argued that the report misrepresented facts and dismissed credible sources.
Despite this, the mounting allegations have raised serious concerns among lawmakers and defense experts about Hegseth's ability to effectively manage the Pentagon's vast responsibilities. Critics point to the critical nature of the Secretary of Defense role, which includes decisions on troop deployments, nuclear policy, and drone operations.
"When those of us who worked at CVA heard he was being considered for Secretary of Defense, it wasn't 'No,' it was 'Hell No!'" a whistleblower told The New Yorker.
The Senate Armed Services Committee is expected to address these allegations in the upcoming confirmation hearings. Hegseth's nomination, once seen as a move to bolster Trump's defense team with a trusted ally, now faces an uncertain path forward amid the revelations.
