Pete Hegseth Shuts Down Reporter “I Don’t Feel the Need to Respond to CNN” [WATCH]

In classic no-nonsense fashion, Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Defense Secretary, silenced a CNN reporter during a heated exchange Thursday afternoon.

As The Gateway Pundit reported, after he met with Senator Rand Paul, Hegseth faced questions about his views on military policies, including the controversial “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy.

CNN reported that Hegseth has consistently criticized efforts to prioritize social agendas over military effectiveness. The outlet referenced his 2024 book The War on Warriors, where he described DADT and its repeal as tools of a “Marxist” agenda to undermine military readiness.

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According to CNN, Hegseth sees such policies as a gateway to cultural shifts that weaken cohesion and effectiveness within the armed forces.

Hegseth didn’t mince words when confronted by a reporter seeking his reaction to CNN’s claims.

“I don’t feel the need to respond to CNN,” he said firmly, making it clear he wasn’t interested in engaging with what he likely saw as a media trap.

The reporter, undeterred, continued to push for a response, only to be met with a sharp rebuke: “Did you hear what I said there?”

This moment highlighted Hegseth’s unwillingness to play along with mainstream media narratives, especially those that often seem designed to discredit conservative voices. His approach struck a chord with many who are tired of left-leaning media outlets focusing on ideological battles rather than issues of substance.

Hegseth’s critics have long labeled his views as divisive. Still, his supporters argue he’s simply advocating for a return to a military focused on strength and mission readiness, rather than being a testing ground for social experiments.

His unapologetic stance against political correctness has made him a favorite among grassroots conservatives who see him as a strong defender of traditional values.

WATCH: Pete Hegseth is asked to respond to a “CNN report.”

Hegseth’s response: “I don’t feel the need to respond to CNN.”

Reporter keeps pressing…

Hegseth: “Did you hear what I said there?” pic.twitter.com/1RSpLqBtCH

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) December 12, 2024

The exchange serves as a reminder of the stark contrast between those who prioritize military effectiveness and those who view the armed forces as a platform for social engineering.

In an era when the left-leaning media often leads with sensationalism, Hegseth’s refusal to engage with CNN’s narrative was seen by many as a refreshing example of staying focused on principles over politics.