Video of Pete Hegseth Discussing Alcohol Preferences Takes Off Online

A resurfaced video of Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for defense secretary, discussing his alcohol preferences has gone viral. Hegseth faces mounting challenges in securing Senate confirmation, with allegations of excessive drinking, including while employed at Fox News, casting a shadow over his nomination. Hegseth has vehemently denied these claims, describing them as baseless smears and pledging to abstain from alcohol if confirmed.

During an interview on The Megyn Kelly Show on SiriusXM, Hegseth rejected accusations of a drinking problem, citing anonymous sources as the basis for the allegations. "No one has ever approached me about needing help for drinking," he stated. Hegseth acknowledged the common practice among veterans of coping with battlefield stress through alcohol but insisted he has never struggled with dependency.

"If confirmed, I would treat this role as a deployment," Hegseth pledged. "There won't be a drop of alcohol on my lips during my service as defense secretary."

Hegseth’s attorney, Tim Parlatore, also denied the allegations, stating, "There was never any drinking on the job at Fox News. Several colleagues have publicly refuted these claims."

The controversy was reignited by a resurfaced 2020 Fox Nation video in which Hegseth discussed his favorite alcoholic beverages. In the clip, he described transitioning from beer to gin, joking about adjusting his alcohol consumption due to his early-morning commitments on Fox & Friends. Shared widely on X (formerly Twitter) by "Republicans Against Trump" and journalist Aaron Rupar, the video has amassed over a million views.

Concerns about Hegseth's drinking have reportedly influenced some lawmakers' opinions. Trump, however, remains steadfast in his support, asserting his confidence in Hegseth's abilities. "I've spoken to people who know him well, and they say he doesn’t have a drinking problem," Trump told NBC’s *Meet the Press*. He also highlighted Hegseth’s academic credentials and military service, expressing optimism about his confirmation prospects.

In addition to the drinking allegations, Hegseth faces scrutiny over a sexual assault claim from seven years ago, which he denies, stating the encounter was consensual and no charges were filed. 

Amid these challenges, The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump is also considering Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as a potential alternative for defense secretary. DeSantis, a former Navy officer, may have a smoother path to confirmation, though accepting the role would necessitate his resignation as governor.