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Pete Hegseth Speaks Out in Exclusive Interview, Addressing Media Smears, Responding to Accusations, and How He'd Reform Military | Ep. 957

The Megyn Kelly Show

Published: Wed Dec 04 2024

Megyn Kelly is joined by Pete Hegseth, President-Elect Trump's Secretary of Defense nominee, for an exclusive interview about what Trump told him this morning, why he's speaking out and fighting the false media narratives now, whether he thinks this is another "Brett Kavanaugh" situation, the importance of him "finding my two Js," the accusation of rape, what really happened, the settlement he reached with the accuser, how the media spins allegations and leaves out exonerating details, finding Jesus as his savior and changing his life, reports about excessive drinking, the allegations of his actions in a strip club, the accusations of financial mismanagement at veteran organizations, his actual record when it comes to helping vets, the emotion he feels seeing his former Fox colleagues defend him, the smears against him and whether it makes others reluctant to serve their country, why he'll continue fighting to stay as the nominee and welcomes an FBI background check, what he'd do o...

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Pete Hegseth Speaks Out in Exclusive Interview" | The Megyn Kelly Show, Ep. 957

Introduction In Episode 957 of The Megyn Kelly Show, released on December 4, 2024, host Megyn Kelly engages in a candid and comprehensive interview with Pete Hegseth, a nominee for Secretary of Defense. This exclusive conversation delves deep into the myriad of allegations swirling around Hegseth, addressing media smears, personal accusations, and his vision for reforming the military.

Addressing Allegations and Media Smears

Megyn Kelly begins the discussion by highlighting the numerous allegations against Hegseth, including accusations of excessive drinking, rape, infidelity, and financial mismanagement of veterans' charities.

  • Megyn Kelly [00:12–02:20]: "Pete and I go way back... We've gone through the alleged rape charge against Pete in great detail... nothing off limits... all the allegations of excessive drinking, that explosive alleged rape charge, the allegations that he's a philanderer..."

Hegseth vehemently denies the rape allegation, emphasizing that no charges were filed after a thorough police investigation. He critiques the media’s handling of the allegations, labeling them as part of an orchestrated smear campaign aimed at discrediting him.

  • Pete Hegseth [08:24–10:50]: "It's the classic art of the smear... They take whatever tiny kernels of truth and blow them up into a masquerade of a narrative... I work really hard to be kind and fair to people."

Support from Friends and Colleagues

Throughout the interview, Hegseth underscores the unwavering support he has received from colleagues and friends, particularly from his time at Fox News. He cites endorsements from prominent figures like Will Kane, Dan Bongino, and members of his veterans' organizations.

  • Pete Hegseth [16:49–18:13]: "Dozens of people from my vets organization, Medal of Honor winners everywhere... Fox Friends have all come out and say, this is not Pete."

Kelly adds that numerous individuals from Hegseth’s past, including Fox News hosts and executives, have publicly defended his character, further questioning the credibility of the accusations.

  • Megyn Kelly [28:56–29:57]: "Holly Talley... Karen Vaughn... Mark Lucas... they're going on the record to say I stand by this guy."

Personal Transformation and Accountability

Hegseth opens up about his personal journey, acknowledging past mistakes in his marriages but attributing his transformation to his faith and his relationship with his wife, Jennifer.

  • Pete Hegseth [22:35–25:05]: "People cannot believe that if they don't want to... those moments in those places in my relationship with Jen... I become a changed man... I've never had that perspective before."

He discusses his commitment to sobriety while serving as Secretary of Defense, drawing parallels to military protocols that prohibit alcohol during deployments.

  • Pete Hegseth [35:45–36:29]: "My job is to follow the law... I need to make sure... there won't be a drop of alcohol on my lips while I'm doing it."

Financial Allegations and Organizational Management

Addressing concerns about financial mismanagement in veterans' organizations he led, Hegseth provides a detailed account of his tenure at Veterans for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America. He denies any impropriety, attributing financial challenges to strategic decisions during political campaigns.

  • Pete Hegseth [36:45–40:55]: "We were very successful and proud of it... We paid it all off and we squared it away. There was zero impropriety... We were just amateurs at that moment in time."

He counters reports from sources like The New Yorker by highlighting testimonials from respected figures who vouch for his integrity and leadership.

  • Pete Hegseth [43:03–46:39]: "Dozens of people... say that never happened... They are agenda drivers whose whole job is to try to destroy anyone who supports Donald Trump."

Vision for the Department of Defense

When questioned about his plans as Secretary of Defense, Hegseth outlines a clear agenda focused on restoring military lethality, eliminating distractions like CRT, DEI, and climate initiatives, and maintaining high standards based solely on capability.

  • Pete Hegseth [59:39–61:27]: "The military has been distracted from its core mission, which is lethality. CRT, DEI, climate and green initiatives... get rid of it. Let's bring the Pentagon back to the people, the people's Pentagon for war fighters."

He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a hyper-ready and capable military to address current and emerging threats, aligning his strategies with President Trump's America First agenda.

  • Pete Hegseth [62:10–64:40]: "We live in one of the most dangerous times since the end of the Cold War... peace through strength... a hyper ready force ready to take on the next threat."

Handling Confirmation and Future Challenges

Hegseth expresses confidence in facing confirmation hearings, welcoming an FBI investigation as an opportunity to clear his name through thorough investigation.

  • Pete Hegseth [56:24–56:53]: "I can't wait for an FBI investigation... If they do their job properly... that gives me an opportunity for them to do a real investigation."

He underscores his commitment to truth and resilience, drawing inspiration from President Trump’s support and the testimonials of those who know him best.

  • Pete Hegseth [53:47–55:02]: "Everyone who truly knows me and has been with me... said they stand by this guy... There's an arsenal of lies they mobilize to destroy."

Conclusion

The interview concludes with reflections on personal redemption and the importance of faith and family in overcoming adversity. Hegseth reiterates his dedication to serving the country and defending the principles he believes in, regardless of the challenges posed by the ongoing smear campaign.

  • Pete Hegseth [66:57–69:41]: "It's a great new story of redemption, of family healing... I love my mom... I'm going through a divorce... it's about family and family repair."

Megyn Kelly offers words of encouragement, expressing belief in Hegseth’s potential and the positive changes he has undergone.

  • Megyn Kelly [55:50–56:14]: "I think greatness awaits... your newfound connection to him... more goodness breeds more goodness."

Key Takeaways

  • Denial of Allegations: Hegseth firmly denies rape and excessive drinking allegations, attributing them to a coordinated media smear campaign.
  • Support Network: He highlights strong endorsements from former colleagues and veterans, reinforcing his integrity and leadership capabilities.
  • Personal Growth: Hegseth discusses his transformation through faith and personal relationships, emphasizing accountability and change.
  • Financial Integrity: He defends his management of veterans' organizations, dismissing claims of financial mismanagement as unfounded.
  • Military Reform Vision: Hegseth outlines a strategy focused on restoring military lethality, removing non-essential distractions, and maintaining high performance standards.
  • Resilience in Confirmation: He welcomes thorough investigations to clear his name and remains steadfast in his pursuit to serve as Secretary of Defense.

Notable Quotes:

  • Megyn Kelly [08:24]: "Kavanaugh stood up and he fought and he won. And hopefully Republicans have learned that lesson."
  • Pete Hegseth [16:49]: "Dozens of people from my vets organization, Medal of Honor winners everywhere."
  • Pete Hegseth [22:35]: "I've become a changed man... I'm just grateful for the grace of God that gives me a new chapter."
  • Pete Hegseth [35:45]: "There won't be a drop of alcohol on my lips while I'm doing it."
  • Pete Hegseth [36:45]: "There was zero impropriety... We were just amateurs at that moment in time."
  • Pete Hegseth [59:39]: "The military has been distracted from its core mission, which is lethality."
  • Pete Hegseth [62:10]: "Peace through strength... a hyper ready force ready to take on the next threat."
  • Pete Hegseth [56:53]: "I'm not just talking about people that were on the stage with me... that's patently false and patently ridiculous."
  • Pete Hegseth [66:57]: "It's a great new story of redemption, of family healing."

Conclusion The interview between Megyn Kelly and Pete Hegseth offers an in-depth look into Hegseth's defense against a barrage of allegations, his unwavering support from peers, and his strategic vision for the Department of Defense. It serves as a comprehensive narrative for listeners to understand the complexities surrounding his nomination and the personal and professional challenges he faces.

No transcript available.