Pete Hegseth’s Past Controversies Resurface Amid Defense Secretary Nomination: Axe-Throwing Incident, “Germs” Claim, and Tattoos
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Fox News host Pete Hegseth, a staunch supporter of President-elect Donald Trump, has found himself in the spotlight once again as Trump prepares to appoint him as the next Secretary of Defense. Hegseth, a former National Guard officer turned media personality, has been no stranger to controversy throughout his career. Known for his outspoken opinions and viral moments, Hegseth has made headlines on multiple occasions for actions and statements that have raised eyebrows. Here’s a deep dive into some of his most talked-about controversies.
Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth is a combat veteran with 20+ years of service. He did tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, receiving two bronze stars.
— MichaelRapaport (@MichaelRapaport) November 13, 2024
Hegseth has a BA from Princeton and a master's degree from Harvard.#JoyReid is a con artist race hustler fake news complete… pic.twitter.com/tedCZehbGA
1. The Axe-Throwing Incident on ‘Fox & Friends’
One of Pete Hegseth’s most infamous moments occurred in 2015 during a live segment on ‘Fox & Friends’. In a segment meant to celebrate the 240th anniversary of the U.S. Army, Hegseth attempted to showcase his axe-throwing skills on air. Unfortunately, the stunt went horribly wrong when the axe missed its target and struck Army Master Sergeant Jeffrey Prosperie, who was performing as a drummer behind the target area.
The incident led to a lawsuit filed by Prosperie against Hegseth and Fox News, claiming negligence. The lawsuit was eventually settled in 2019, with both parties reaching a mutual agreement. While the specifics of the settlement were not disclosed, the incident left a lasting mark on Hegseth’s public image and drew widespread criticism for the reckless nature of the stunt.
2. “Germs Are Not Real” Controversy
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Pete Hegseth made waves again in 2019 with a bizarre claim that quickly went viral. During a discussion on Fox News, Hegseth casually revealed that he hadn’t washed his hands in a decade, stating, “Germs are not real.” According to him, since germs are invisible to the naked eye, he chooses to ignore their existence. This comment sparked outrage and mockery across social media, with many questioning the seriousness of his statement.
Hegseth later clarified that his comments were meant to be humorous, a form of satire on society’s obsession with cleanliness and germophobia. Nevertheless, the incident became a meme-worthy moment, solidifying his reputation as a polarizing figure willing to embrace unconventional and provocative viewpoints.
3. Controversial Tattoos: Symbols of His Ideology
Beyond his on-air controversies, Hegseth has also attracted attention for his tattoos, which reflect his political and religious beliefs. He proudly displays a Jerusalem cross tattoo, which critics argue is a symbol of Christian nationalism. Another tattoo, the Latin phrase “Deus Vult,” is a phrase historically associated with the First Crusade and has been adopted by some modern far-right groups. The phrase translates to “God wills it,” and its use has been contentious due to its association with militant religious zealotry.
Trump’s Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has a “We The People” tattoo, a “Deus Vult” tattoo, and a Christian cross tattooed on his chest and you’re blackpilling? pic.twitter.com/TdVBkxMJ9h
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) November 13, 2024
Additionally, Hegseth has the words “We The People” tattooed on his arm, a clear nod to his patriotic values and belief in American constitutional principles. Supporters view these tattoos as expressions of his commitment to faith, freedom, and country, while critics see them as signals of a more extreme ideological stance.
Trump’s Surprising Choice for Secretary of Defense
The latest buzz surrounding Hegseth stems from reports that President-elect Donald Trump is set to appoint him as the next Secretary of Defense. This decision has surprised many within the Republican Party, given Hegseth’s background as a broadcaster rather than a career military leader or defense policy expert. However, Trump’s admiration for Hegseth’s loyalty and unapologetic conservative views appears to have outweighed any reservations about his qualifications for the role.
Trump’s consideration of Hegseth for high-profile positions is not new; back in 2016, there were rumors that he was being eyed for a role in the administration. Now, as Trump prepares to return to the White House, he seems ready to entrust Hegseth with a crucial Cabinet position.
🚨NEW: Newly appointed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on reforming US military leadership:
— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) November 13, 2024
Anyone "involved in the woke sh*t has got to go…you have to reestablish that trust by putting in no-nonsense warfighters in those positions who aren't going to cater to the socially… pic.twitter.com/9181gOVp2q
Pete Hegseth’s career trajectory from National Guard officer to Fox News commentator and now potential Secretary of Defense is a testament to his ability to remain in the public eye, despite—or perhaps because of—the controversies surrounding him. His axe-throwing mishap, controversial health claims, and tattoos have made him a divisive figure, celebrated by some as a symbol of unapologetic patriotism and criticized by others as an embodiment of reckless and inflammatory rhetoric.
As Trump’s potential appointment of Hegseth continues to make headlines, it remains to be seen how the controversial figure will navigate the complexities of leading the Department of Defense, should the nomination become official. For now, Hegseth’s past controversies serve as a reminder of the unpredictable and often sensational nature of today’s political landscape.
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
