‘We’ve Known For Years’: Fox Hosts Goes On Record To Defend Pete Hegseth

Donald Trump’s selection for Defense Secretary has garnered notable backing from his former colleagues at Fox News this week.

The Fox & Friends team defended Pete Hegseth on Wednesday, addressing recent reports about his alleged past behavior.

Co-host Lawrence Jones expressed strong support for his former coworker, stating: “He’s a Harvard guy. He’s a Princeton guy. He’s been talking about this stuff for years where the whole book about transforming the military, the way that we’re doing things, the wokeness.”

Jones dismissed an NBC News report suggesting Hegseth had a history of alcohol-related issues that reportedly raised concerns among Fox News staff.

“And by the way, there’s reports coming out there, too, that we know for we’ve known for years that we know that’s just not true,” Jones emphasized. “And the fact that they’re going out there with unnamed sources when we sit on the couch with him almost every day, for over ten years. Its just — to me, that is the stunning part, especially when you don’t reach out to his cohosts of the show for comment to say, ‘Hey, what do you guys think about this?’ No one has been contacted about that. I think that screams that it’s a witch hunt.”

Adding to the conversation, Steve Doocy provided additional context for viewers unfamiliar with the allegations. “In the Wall Street Journal article, it talks a little bit about it. It sounds like Donald Trump down at Mar-a-Lago is actually floating. You know, he’s casually suggested, ‘Okay, if it doesn’t work out, what about Ron DeSantis?’ Another name apparently that is apparently way down the list on Plan B is Elbridge Colby, discussed by some Trump allies. Also, some have suggested Joni Ernst, according to the Wall Street Journal, and they’ve got the exclusive on this.”

Doocy elaborated further: “Apparently, a number of the Republican senators are warning Pete that you’re going to face a grilling during public confirmation hearings. The allegations, sexual assault, adultery, excessive alcohol use, and financial mismanagement. According to the Wall Street Journal, there are apparently six Republican senators who are not completely on board with him. So that would be a deal breaker. And maybe that’s why they’re looking at Plan B.”

Emily Compagno added her perspective, calling the opposition to Hegseth’s nomination unjust. “That the roadblock to a nomination process to me is almost blasphemous because of this entire thing that the American people voted into office,” she said. “No, we will not succumb to the left’s playbook. We will not succumb to Kavanaugh becoming a verb in that the left likes to wield the media and a very public witch hunt to thwart the possibility for actual success. And that’s the whole point.”

Brian Kilmeade also weighed in, highlighting Hegseth’s work ethic and physical fitness. “Physically, Pete is cut out of stone, is a rock. The guy eats healthier, acts healthier, works harder, and literally works on his ranch. He does. He has a lifestyle that reflects this discipline.”

Hegseth, who is an Army officer with documented combat experience, told reporters at the U.S. Capitol that he has no intention of withdrawing his name from consideration despite the allegations.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with lawmakers, Hegseth confirmed he had spoken with Trump earlier that day. “I spoke to the President-elect this morning. He said keep going, keep fighting… Why would I back down? I’ve always been a fighter,” he stated.

When asked if he was reconsidering his candidacy, Hegseth made it clear that he was focused on continuing his meetings with senators.

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