Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, is addressing allegations about his military academy acceptance as scrutiny over his past intensifies.
In a proactive move, Hegseth shared evidence on social media to counter claims that he was not accepted into West Point in 1999.
Early Wednesday, Hegseth accused ProPublica of preparing to release a “knowingly false report” challenging his acceptance to the prestigious academy.
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On X (formerly Twitter), Hegseth posted an image of his acceptance letter signed by West Point Superintendent Lieutenant General Daniel Christman.
“We understand that ProPublica (the Left Wing hack group) is planning to publish a knowingly false report that I was not accepted to West Point in 1999,” Hegseth wrote. “Here’s my letter of acceptance signed by West Point Superintendent, Lieutenant General Daniel Christman, US Army.”
The letter praised Hegseth’s “exceptional potential for future service to your country and fellow citizens” and highlighted West Point’s programs as an opportunity to develop that potential fully.
We understand that ProPublica (the Left Wing hack group) is planning to publish a knowingly false report that I was not accepted to West Point in 1999.
Here’s my letter of acceptance signed by West Point Superintendent, Lieutenant General Daniel Christman, US Army. pic.twitter.com/UOhOVZSfhJ
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) December 11, 2024
Hegseth chose to attend Princeton University instead of West Point, a decision he attributed to his passion for basketball.
While at Princeton, his path took a turn after the 9/11 attacks, leading him to join the Army ROTC.
He explained that the attacks were a pivotal moment, describing it as a “validator” for his decision to serve.
After graduating from Princeton, Hegseth completed basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and was first stationed at Guantanamo Bay, overseeing prisoners of war.
His service continued as an infantryman in Iraq after he volunteered for deployment.
Transitioning to civilian life proved challenging for Hegseth. “I went from being in a combat zone to being in an apartment in Manhattan and without any contact other than phone calls here or an email here or there with the guys who I had served with, and it was jarring,” he recalled.
He admitted to drinking heavily during that period as he adjusted to civilian life, which he found largely indifferent to his experiences.
Despite this, Hegseth has maintained that his drinking never became a problematic habit, and he has publicly rejected claims of alcoholism.
Former colleagues at Fox News and soldiers who served under his leadership have spoken in his defense, commending his professionalism.
Hegseth has also faced allegations of hostility toward women, including his ex-wife. His mother has refuted these claims, further complicating the controversy surrounding his nomination.
The debate over Hegseth’s candidacy has been amplified by coverage from outlets like The New York Times and The New Yorker.
For the past two weeks, Hegseth has been working tirelessly on Capitol Hill, meeting with Republican senators to shore up support ahead of his confirmation.
Pete Hegseth is shining with confidence.
This should be a lesson to all Conservatives. If you remain in the fight after the first wave of attacks, you’ll win the war.
pic.twitter.com/kk5d7jIOrj— George (@BehizyTweets) December 11, 2024
President-elect Trump has remained steadfast in his backing of Hegseth’s nomination.
The Senate is expected to vote on Hegseth’s confirmation next month as debates around his record continue to dominate headlines.
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Every Right enshrined and protected in The US Constitution comes with an equally important, albeit unspoken, Responsibility. The Freedom of Speech is well understood to include a responsibility not to yell “FIRE” in a crowded space or “SHARK” on a crowded beach. The Right To Bear Arms includes a Responsibility to use those weapons carefully. Likewise, the Freedom of the Press comes with a Responsibility to Report, not to Journalize. Look at the 1964 case New York Times Co. v Sullivan, where the Surpreme Court specified that the newspaper was protected if ‘attempts truthfully to report’ and allowed for honest errors. Journalists (opinion writers, influencers) should be held accountable for attempts to present their opinions as actual news. Intentionally writing a piece to shape public opinion by false narrative is not and should not be protected.
We do not need a saint. We need a warrior. Hegseth is a warrior.