Hegseth: Defending America by Offending the Left?

Of all Donald Trump’s appointments, the one I find least intriguing is Pete Hegseth. Yes, the man is an accomplished Army veteran and former Fox News host, but I’ve had my reservations. Having co-hosted Fox & Friends Weekend with him, I found him to be a bit full of himself.

Perhaps Hegseth’s attitude was earned at Fox News. But a simple “Good morning, Kevin” would have sufficed to change my opinion. Granted, my observation is not a disqualification for public service (or television, for that matter). But let’s just say he seemed more interested in basking in the glow of young producers’ admiration than in welcoming an albeit temporary co-host.

I repeat, my personal impressions don’t define the man or his qualifications. And I’m sure under different circumstances, he and I would swap stories over brewskis and I would find him affable, and vice versa. But what does interest me is the political circus surrounding Hegseth’s recent nomination as Secretary of Defense by President-elect Trump. The Democrats and their media allies have wasted no time dredging up allegations, including accusations of serial adultery, on-the-job drinking, and even rape.

These accusations should be taken seriously, of course—but so too should the timing and tactics behind their release. The parallels to other cases of high-profile character assassination are hard to ignore.

The Rape Allegation: What We Know

The most serious allegation stems from an incident in 2017, when Hegseth was accused of raping a woman at a hotel in Monterey, California. According to reports, the alleged assault occurred after Hegseth spoke at a Republican convention. The woman filed a police report, but no charges were ever brought against him.

Fast forward to today: Hegseth reportedly reached a financial settlement with the accuser, accompanied by a confidentiality agreement. However, according to his attorney, Tim Parlatore, the woman herself voided the agreement and has been free to speak publicly.

The timing is, of course, curious. Why now? Why bring these allegations into the spotlight just as Hegseth is poised to take on one of the most significant roles in government? The answer is painfully obvious: this is standard Democratic operating procedure.

A Familiar Playbook

If this sounds like déjà vu, that’s because it is. Democrats have perfected the art of weaponizing accusations—often decades old—to derail their political opponents. Think Brett Kavanaugh. Think Clarence Thomas. The strategy is as old as Roman political intrigue: assassinate the character, and the man will fall with it.

Let’s not forget the broader context of Trump’s nominations. The Left’s outrage machine has not spared a single appointee, especially for roles as significant as Secretary of Defense. Victor Davis Hanson recently highlighted the abysmal tenure of current Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, whose role has been marred by a chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, divisive diversity initiatives, and a military recruitment crisis. If a baboon were nominated to replace Austin, it might actually perform better.

But Hegseth? While perhaps not the most conventional choice, he is at least a decorated veteran with firsthand experience of the military’s challenges. Compare that to Austin, who has prioritized wokeness over warfare, and the contrast is striking.

The Democrats’ Double Standard

What’s particularly galling is the Democrats’ selective outrage. When Joe Biden nominated individuals with questionable pasts—Deb Haaland, for example, or even Kamala Harris herself—there was little to no scrutiny. Harris, let’s not forget, rose to power in California politics through relationships and alliances that would make any feminist activist cringe. And yet, the media gave her a free pass.

But when Trump nominates someone—even someone with a clean track record—it’s a feeding frenzy. The accusations against Hegseth, whether credible or not, fit neatly into this pattern.

A Broader Issue: Character Assassination as Political Strategy

The Hegseth saga is emblematic of a larger problem in American politics: the increasing reliance on personal destruction as a tool for political gain. This isn’t about justice or accountability; it’s about humiliation and power.

Take the tactic of dredging up past allegations, whether true or not, at precisely the moment someone is poised to ascend to a position of prominence. This isn’t justice—it’s blackmail by another name. And it’s a dangerous precedent.

Hegseth’s alleged actions, if true, should of course be subject to scrutiny. But the selective timing and framing of these allegations suggest something more sinister. It’s not about finding the truth—it’s about ensuring that certain truths never see the light of day.

Is Hegseth the Right Choice?

Let’s not pretend Hegseth is the ideal candidate for Secretary of Defense. As I’ve noted, there are plenty of more qualified individuals. And yes, his personal flaws, from his admitted adultery to his brash demeanor, raise legitimate questions about his judgment.

But that’s not the point. The point is that the Democrats’ strategy of character assassination poisons the well for everyone. By focusing on personal attacks, they avoid engaging with substantive issues, such as the catastrophic state of the U.S. military under Lloyd Austin’s leadership.

What’s Next?

So, will Hegseth survive the confirmation process? That remains to be seen. What’s clear is that the Democrats will continue to use these tactics as long as they remain effective. And Republicans, for their part, need to be better prepared to defend their nominees—not just from the accusations themselves, but from the broader strategy of political destruction.

If Hegseth is confirmed, he’ll have his work cut out for him. The Pentagon is in dire need of reform, and the challenges are immense. Whether he’s the right man for the job is debatable. But one thing is certain: the process of getting there will be as ugly as the swamp itself.

 

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