Pete Hegseth Nominated as Defense Secretary

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Fox News host Pete Hegseth, an Army veteran, as his new Secretary of Defense, stirring controversy due to Hegseth's previous comments about germ denial. A resurfaced 2019 clip shows Hegseth claiming he hasn't washed his hands in a decade and that 'germs are not a real thing,' which drew mixed reactions of laughter and disgust from his co-hosts on Fox & Friends. Although Hegseth later clarified that he was joking, his remarks have reignited public scrutiny, with critics expressing concerns over his unsanitary views. Social media users have reacted strongly, questioning his qualifications for such a significant role in the military. Hegseth defended his comments as humorous banter meant to critique societal obsessions with hygiene. Nonetheless, the resurfacing of this clip highlights the contentious nature of his nomination.