Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host and President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. Secretary of Defense, has found himself at the center of a media firestorm following a report by NBC News alleging unprofessional conduct during his time at the network. The report, which cited 10 current and former Fox News employees, claimed that Hegseth often smelled of alcohol before going on air, raising concerns among colleagues. However, an outpouring of support from prominent Fox News personalities has created an unexpected twist, with many dismissing the allegations as baseless and rallying behind Hegseth as he navigates scrutiny over his high-profile nomination. This controversy, unfolding at a critical juncture, highlights the polarized reactions to Hegseth’s candidacy and raises questions about the motivations behind the accusations.

The NBC News Report and Allegations

The controversy stems from a December 3, 2024, report by NBC News, which alleged that Hegseth’s behavior at Fox News raised concerns among colleagues, particularly regarding his alleged alcohol consumption before broadcasts. According to the report, 10 anonymous sources—current and former Fox employees—claimed they detected the smell of alcohol on Hegseth’s breath on multiple occasions and overheard him discussing being hungover while on set. The report also referenced earlier allegations from The New Yorker, which claimed Hegseth’s drinking led to his departure from two veterans’ organizations, Veterans for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America, before joining Fox News in 2014. These claims have resurfaced at a pivotal moment, as Hegseth, a decorated Army National Guard veteran, faces Senate confirmation for one of the nation’s most significant cabinet positions.

The timing of the report, just weeks before Hegseth’s confirmation hearings, has fueled speculation about its intent. Hegseth’s nomination as Secretary of Defense, announced by Trump on November 12, 2024, has already drawn attention due to his controversial views, including his opposition to women in combat roles and diversity initiatives in the military. The NBC report adds to a series of challenges, including a 2017 sexual assault allegation, which Hegseth has denied, and for which no charges were filed. His attorney confirmed a confidential settlement was reached in 2020 to avoid a civil lawsuit.

Fox News Colleagues Rally in Support

In a swift and unified response, several prominent Fox News figures have come to Hegseth’s defense, dismissing the NBC report as a smear campaign. Dr. Nicole Saphier, a frequent contributor to Fox & Friends, took to X to defend her colleague of eight years. “I have routinely sat on the couch with @PeteHegseth for 8 years. Not once did I suspect he had consumed anything other than an egg sandwich and coffee before going on air,” she wrote, directly challenging the allegations of alcohol use. Her statement set the tone for a wave of support from other colleagues.

Will Cain, co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend, was equally vehement, calling the NBC report “horses***” on X and emphasizing his close working relationship with Hegseth. “I was not contacted by anyone at NBC News,” Cain wrote, noting that he sat next to Hegseth for eight hours each week for five years, starting at 6 a.m. Rachel Campos-Duffy, another Fox & Friends Weekend co-host, echoed Cain’s sentiments, criticizing NBC for relying on anonymous sources and failing to reach out to Hegseth’s closest colleagues. “You now have 2 people who sat next to him 8+ hours a week on the record,” she stated, demanding a retraction or correction.

Other Fox News contributors, including Guy Benson, Joey Jones, and Lisa Boothe, also dismissed the allegations. Benson, who has co-hosted with Hegseth, said he never witnessed the behavior described in the report. Jones, a military veteran himself, expressed disgust at the claims, stating, “I’ve never EVER seen Pete drink like that, and have never smelled alcohol on his breath at work.” Boothe called the report a “malicious smear,” while Piers Morgan, a frequent Fox & Friends guest, described Hegseth as “utterly professional on camera and a nice, respectful guy off it.”

A Pivotal Moment for Hegseth’s Nomination

The allegations come at a critical time for Hegseth, whose nomination has sparked debate due to his lack of traditional qualifications for Secretary of Defense and his polarizing views. A Trump transition spokesperson defended Hegseth, calling the accusations “disgusting” and politically motivated attacks on a “decorated combat veteran.” However, reports suggest that Trump is considering replacing Hegseth with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, as concerns about Hegseth’s confirmation prospects grow. The Wall Street Journal reported that Senate Republicans, whose support is crucial for confirmation, have expressed doubts about Hegseth’s ability to secure the necessary votes.

Despite these challenges, Hegseth remains resolute. On December 4, 2024, he shared that Trump had urged him to “keep going, keep fighting,” signaling continued support from the President-elect. The Senate’s narrow confirmation of Hegseth as Secretary of Defense in late January 2025, as reported by Snopes, indicates that he has overcome significant hurdles, though the controversy continues to linger.

The Unexpected Twist: Viewer Support

The unexpected twist in this saga is the enthusiastic support from Fox News viewers and colleagues, which has turned a potentially damaging report into a rallying cry. Social media platforms, particularly X, have buzzed with messages of support for Hegseth, with many fans praising his military service and on-air presence. The strong defense from high-profile colleagues like Saphier, Cain, and Campos-Duffy has resonated with viewers, who see the allegations as an attempt to undermine a conservative figure at a critical moment. This backlash has energized Hegseth’s base, with many expressing admiration for his resilience and Trump’s decision to stand by him.

A Test of Resilience

Pete Hegseth’s journey from Fox News host to Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense has been marked by controversy, from allegations of misconduct to questions about his qualifications. Yet, the unified support from his colleagues and viewers highlights the loyalty he commands within conservative circles. As he navigates the Senate confirmation process, the allegations of unprofessional conduct remain a point of contention, but the vocal defense from those who know him best has shifted the narrative. Whether Hegseth can fully overcome these challenges and assume the role of Secretary of Defense remains to be seen, but for now, the unexpected support from his Fox News family has given his nomination a fighting chance.