GOP Insiders Sought to Remove Pete Hegseth from Veterans Group Leadership

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense, is at the center of renewed controversy as past allegations about his leadership and conduct resurface.

These include efforts by GOP insiders in 2016 to remove him as head of the Koch-funded nonprofit Concerned Veterans for America (CVA). The move followed accusations of financial mismanagement, public intoxication, and a toxic workplace environment during Hegseth’s tenure.

According to Republican insiders, Marine veteran Jessie Jane Duff was among those leading the charge to oust Hegseth from CVA in 2016. Duff, who served as a senior military adviser at CVA and later as a director for Trump’s 2024 campaign, reportedly complained about Hegseth’s behavior and leadership.

Allegations included frequent public drunkenness and fostering a toxic work climate. Duff also criticized Hegseth’s military service in the National Guard, referring to him as merely a “part-time” soldier.

Tax filings reveal that under Hegseth’s leadership, CVA raised $15.9 million in revenue in 2016 but reported $16.4 million in expenses.

Prior to CVA, Hegseth had led Veterans for Freedom, where revenue plummeted from $8.7 million in 2008 to $265,000 by 2010. Insiders argue that financial mismanagement was a recurring issue during Hegseth’s tenure.

Further scrutiny emerged when The New Yorker published a whistleblower report detailing incidents of sexual misconduct, repeated intoxication, and questionable hiring practices.

The report claimed Hegseth’s brother, Philip Hegseth, was hired while still in college, and alleged multiple incidents of public intoxication during CVA events. It also outlined accusations that Hegseth was carried out of events due to severe drunkenness while serving as a leader in the veterans’ group.

A source close to Hegseth dismissed the allegations, describing Duff as a “disgruntled former employee” with personal grievances.

Hegseth’s attorney, Timothy Parlatore, categorically denied all claims, asserting that they were baseless and part of a smear campaign.

Despite these controversies, Hegseth remains a prominent figure in conservative circles. As a former co-host of "Fox & Friends Weekend," he has built a media persona advocating for veterans and conservative causes.

However, critics, including former colleagues, question his qualifications to lead the Department of Defense. Margaret Hoover, host of PBS’ "Firing Line," argued that Hegseth’s struggles managing small organizations with limited budgets raise doubts about his ability to oversee the Pentagon, which has a $842 billion budget and nearly 3 million personnel.

Adding to the controversy, last month it was revealed that Hegseth had settled a 2017 sexual assault allegation at a Republican women’s banquet in Monterey, California.

While the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office declined to press charges due to insufficient evidence, the allegations have cast a shadow over his nomination. Hegseth denies the claims, maintaining that the encounter was consensual.

As Hegseth meets with senators to secure confirmation, concerns over his past conduct and leadership persist.

While his defenders highlight his military service and media advocacy, critics argue these do not outweigh the numerous controversies surrounding his record.