14 hours Ago
Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth called Donald Trump “an armchair tough guy” who’s “all bluster, very little substance” in a 2016 clip shared by CNN ’s Andrew Kaczynski on Tuesday. While the former “Fox & Friends” host wouldn’t be the only potential Trump Cabinet member to have trashed the president-elect in the past, the video re-emerged at a sensitive time. Trump is reportedly already considering replacing Hegseth with another nominee as misconduct claims mount against him.
He’s been accused of sexual assault and reached a settlement with his accuser while denying the allegation. The National Guard veteran was also forced to resign from two veterans groups for financial and sexual impropriety, and repeatedly showed up for work at Fox News smelling like alcohol, according to reports . The clips dug up by Kaczynski won’t help matters.
“It’s typical Trump, all bluster, very little substance,” Hegseth said on Fox News in March 2016 . “He talks a tough game. But then when pressed on it, he’s an armchair tough guy.
I hate to say it, but this is a guy who said that John McCain is not a war hero. Yet he sought his own five military deferments.” In 2015 footage also shown on CNN Tuesday, Hegseth said: “You wouldn’t want a top-tier presidential candidate getting all of their military advice from watching ‘Meet the Press.
’ There’s a lot more nuance. There’s a lot more detail. .
.. Foreign policy and national security is not about TV shows.
” Don't let this be the end of the free press. The free press is under attack — and America's future hangs in the balance. As other newsrooms bow to political pressure, HuffPost is not backing down.
Would you help us keep our news free for all? We can't do it without you. Can't afford to contribute? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again .
We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give once or many more times, we appreciate your contribution to keeping our journalism free for all. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again .
We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give just one more time or sign up again to contribute regularly, we appreciate you playing a part in keeping our journalism free for all. Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
CNN said a spokesperson for the Trump-Vance transition team provided a statement defending Hegseth’s past comments as a Fox News host. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Trump opponent in the primaries who has spoken ill of the president-elect, is reported to be a top candidate to possibly replace Hegseth.
h/t Mediaite Related From Our Partner.
