Pete Hegseth cashes in with $4.6 million from Fox News in just 2 years
- Pete Hegseth's confirmation hearing took place on January 14, 2025, amid significant opposition from veterans groups and military service members.
- Hegseth is known for his controversial views, including opposition to women in combat roles and a desire to reform military leadership.
- Critics question his qualifications, with some calling his nomination unprecedented and alarmingly unqualified for overseeing the military.
On January 14, 2025, Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host, testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee for his confirmation hearing as Secretary of Defense of the United States. His nomination, made by President-elect Donald Trump, has raised alarms among veterans groups and military service members due to Hegseth's lack of traditional qualifications usually expected for such a critical role overseeing the Department of Defense, which has a substantial budget of approximately $850 billion and manages around 3 million service members. Critics within the military and political circles have labeled Hegseth as 'the least qualified nominee in American history' for this position. Furthermore, his previous comments advocating for policies that would exclude women from combat roles and calling for a personnel overhaul in the Joint Chiefs of Staff have added to the tension surrounding his candidacy. Notably, Hegseth has been accused of promoting divisive viewpoints, including statements suggesting a need to 'crush' opposing ideologies. His financial disclosure indicated he earned over $4.6 million in salary from Fox News, alongside significant amounts from speaking engagements and book royalties, reflecting a trajectory sharply deviating from typical defense leaders. These unprecedented appointments in the history of the department have created a sense of uncertainty among lawmakers regarding the influential position of Secretary of Defense, traditionally held by individuals with significant military experience and a record of public service. As the hearing proceeds amidst partisan clashes, the implications of Hegseth’s potential appointment on America’s military direction continue to draw scrutiny and debate among various factions.