Pete Hegseth Fights Back Against Media Smears, Reveals What Trump Just Said To Him [WATCH]

Pete Hegseth, the embattled nominee for Defense Secretary in President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, addressed recent controversies surrounding his nomination during an interview with Megyn Kelly on Wednesday.

Speaking candidly, Hegseth acknowledged that while there are “kernels of truth” in some of the allegations against him, he maintains that the majority have been exaggerated or distorted.

The former Fox News host and Army veteran has faced mounting scrutiny since being nominated, with reports alleging past instances of sexual harassment, excessive drinking during work trips, and controversial views, such as his opposition to women serving in combat roles.

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Additionally, a 2018 email from his mother, calling him an “abuser of women,” was published by the New York Times, adding further fuel to the controversy.

Pete’s mom addressed the NYT’s story on Fox News. Watch:

Despite the media storm, Hegseth revealed during his interview that he has the full support of President-elect Trump.

Describing a recent conversation with Trump, he said, “He supports me. We talked. He said, you go meet those senators, and I’ve got your back.”

According to Hegseth, Trump also offered words of encouragement, saying, “Pete, I’ve got your back. It’s a fight; they’re coming after you. Get after it.”

Pete Hegseth tells Megyn Kelly that Trump told him he would need to be “tough as shit” and that he “was the man for this moment.”

“Hey Pete I got your back, its a fight, they’re coming after you, get after it.” pic.twitter.com/baXgkCXnQH

— Charlie Spiering (@charliespiering) December 4, 2024

Hegseth likened his current battle to the confirmation fight faced by Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who endured intense scrutiny during his confirmation hearings. “I had a member not 45 minutes ago look me in the eye in private, just he and I, and say: ‘That’s what they’re trying to do to you,’” Hegseth said, referencing a conversation with a Republican lawmaker.

The unnamed lawmaker reportedly told him, “That’s their playbook. Get ready for more. And they’re going to make it up, just like they did so far. All anonymous, all innuendo, all rumor, nothing sourced, no verification. And they’re just going to keep doing it. Because you’re a threat to them.”

Hegseth praised Kavanaugh for standing firm during his confirmation process and expressed hope that Republicans would rally behind him in a similar fashion. “Kavanaugh stood up, and he fought, and he won. And hopefully, Republicans have learned that lesson,” he said. “Trump stood by him. What you’re seeing right now with me is the art of the smear.”

.@megynkelly: “Do you think you’re being Kavanaughed right now?”

Incoming Secretary of Defense @PeteHegseth: “I had a member not 45 minutes ago look me in the eye, in private… and say, ‘That’s what they’re trying to do to you… because you’re a threat.. to all of the things… pic.twitter.com/MMHpUKi8ks

— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) December 4, 2024

In addition to his comments to Kelly, Hegseth penned an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday, addressing some of the allegations.

He admitted to occasionally drinking with colleagues during his time at veterans’ organizations but denied any improper behavior.

“We weren’t perfect, but we were always honest and earnest,” he wrote. “We raised money honestly and spent it earnestly—to advance our cause. Like veterans returning from any war, we drank beers to manage the reality of what we had faced. But we never did anything improper, and we treated everyone with respect.”

Hegseth also dismissed the claims of excessive drinking and misconduct during his tenure at Fox News and veterans’ organizations, calling the allegations a misrepresentation of his character.

“Take whatever tiny kernels of truth—and there are tiny, tiny ones in there—and blow them up into a masquerade of a narrative about somebody that I am definitely not,” he said.

Despite the controversies, Hegseth is pressing forward with his efforts to secure confirmation.

He has been meeting with senators on Capitol Hill, working to address concerns and rally support for his nomination. “It’s a fight,” he told Kelly. “They’re coming after me, but I’m ready.”

The father of seven concluded his interview by reiterating his commitment to the role and his gratitude for Trump’s trust in him.

He recalled Trump’s words when nominating him: “You’re going to need to be tough as [expletive].”

Hegseth’s nomination remains uncertain as the new year approaches, with Senate confirmation likely to involve intense scrutiny and debate.

Watch the full segment with Megyn Kelly and Pete Hegseth:

“It’s our time to stand up and tell the truth. He knows that. He supports me…He said ‘you go and meet those senators and I’ve got your back.’”@PeteHegseth talks exclusively with @MegynKelly, on Trump, and why he’s speaking out now. Watch and subscribe:https://t.co/YJPxz5Gu8d pic.twitter.com/2fMLuedzwP

— The Megyn Kelly Show (@MegynKellyShow) December 4, 2024

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