Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host and Army veteran, is facing renewed scrutiny over past allegations of excessive drinking as he seeks confirmation as Secretary of Defense in the upcoming Trump administration. The accusations, which span years, have stirred debate over his fitness to lead the Pentagon, though Hegseth adamantly denies having a drinking problem.

Acknowledged Past Behavior

Hegseth has spoken openly about his use of alcohol during a difficult period following his 2006 deployment to Iraq. In interviews and his 2016 book, In the Arena, Hegseth described turning to alcohol as a way to cope with the challenges of reintegrating into civilian life. On the Will Cain Show podcast in 2021, he admitted to drinking heavily during that time, saying it became a form of “self-medication.”
However, Hegseth has since credited his faith and his wife Jennifer with helping him move past those habits. “Only by the grace of God was I able to slowly but surely undo that cycle,” he said.
Despite his admissions, Hegseth now disputes that his drinking ever amounted to a problem. “I’ve never had a drinking problem,” he stated during a recent interview on The Megyn Kelly Show, adding that he has never sought professional help or been advised to do so.

Allegations and Conflicting Accounts

Reports of Hegseth’s alleged excessive drinking have surfaced over the years, with former colleagues offering conflicting narratives. At Fox News, where Hegseth is a prominent host, some former employees claim to have witnessed him drinking heavily at work events or arriving visibly intoxicated. One anecdote involved Hegseth purportedly drinking leftover beer from a St. Patrick’s Day segment during the early morning hours.
Others, including several current Fox News staffers, have publicly defended Hegseth, denying that he drank excessively during his tenure. A Fox News spokesperson declined to comment on the allegations, and Hegseth’s attorney dismissed them as “completely false.”
Similar allegations followed Hegseth during his time at Concerned Veterans of America, a nonprofit he led until 2016. Former colleagues cited instances of heavy drinking, though some disputed those claims, creating a mixed picture of his behavior during that period.

Political and Professional Repercussions

Hegseth’s drinking has become a key point of contention as lawmakers consider his nomination to lead the Department of Defense, a position requiring significant discipline and leadership over millions of military personnel and civilians. Critics, including some Republican senators, have expressed concerns over whether his past behavior might impact his ability to effectively manage the Pentagon.
“We absolutely cannot have a secretary of defense that gets drunk on a regular basis,” said Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.). “I got to know that he’s got that problem licked.”

Hegseth’s Defense and Commitment

In his defense, Hegseth has pledged to abstain from alcohol entirely if confirmed. “This is the biggest deployment of my life, and there won’t be a drop of alcohol on my lips while I’m doing it,” he said in the Kelly interview. He emphasized that he sees the role as a solemn responsibility akin to military service.
Hegseth’s nomination has drawn comparisons to previous controversies surrounding nominees for the position. In 1989, the Senate rejected John Tower as defense secretary amid similar allegations of excessive drinking and personal misconduct.

Trump’s Position

President-elect Donald Trump, who abstains from alcohol and has publicly condemned its abuse, has reportedly been troubled by the allegations against Hegseth. However, Trump continues to stand by his nominee. Hegseth met with Trump this week and reaffirmed his support during ongoing meetings with lawmakers. As Hegseth’s confirmation process unfolds, questions about his past behavior and ability to lead remain central to the debate. For now, his future as the head of the Pentagon hangs in the balance, as senators weigh his reassurances against lingering doubts.