CIA Director Clashes With Congressman Over Hegseth's Drinking Question

During a House Intelligence Committee hearing, a heated exchange occurred between CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Democratic Congressman Jimmy Gomez regarding Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's alleged drinking habits prior to leaking classified information via the messaging app Signal. Gomez questioned whether Hegseth had been drinking, referencing past claims about his alcohol consumption, including an incident during a NATO press conference. Ratcliffe labeled Gomez's inquiry as 'offensive', insisting that the focus should be on the CIA's work rather than Hegseth's personal habits. The confrontation highlighted concerns over a significant security breach where Hegseth inadvertently included a journalist in a classified chat about military operations. Gomez maintained that the question was pertinent to public interest, arguing that Hegseth's performance could be compromised by his drinking. Despite Ratcliffe's dismissal of Gomez's concerns, the incident reflects ongoing scrutiny over officials' conduct and national security protocols.