Pete Hegseth's “Fox & Friends Weekend” co-host responds to former NAACP Legal Defense Fund president Sherilyn Ifill's declaration that the Secretary of Defense nominee is a “white supremacist.” He defended the character of Pete Hegseth.
“If he was a white supremacist, I think we would know, and I hope he has time, but I'm sure he has Senate hearings and other preparations, so I'm sure he doesn't have that time.” No. That woman deserves to be prosecuted.” That’s defamation,” Rachel Campos-Duffy said.
Her fellow host, Will Kane, adamantly agreed.
“He is one of the people in my life that I feel I know best, and I want to vouch for their character. That being said, we know him best. I have […]” said Kane.
“That ridiculous opinion is based on what she is accusing him of: DEI [Diversity, Equity, Inclusion]. So what she is suggesting is that merit is now racist,” he added.
Cain also mentioned concerns about one of Hegseth's tattoos, which were reported by a fellow National Guard member of the anti-terrorism unit. It says “Deus vult,'' a word Cain says means “God's will.''
The accusations led to Hegseth being removed from his duties at President Biden's inauguration.
“This has been used by white supremacists who are concerned that it is a sign of an insider threat. This is a saying by the way. It dates back to 1096,” he claimed. “So, I read the email. It's one guy's internet rabbit hole theory.”
Mr. Kaine called the re-emergence of the issue “hopeless,” but Joey Jones, who replaced Mr. Hegseth, said the effort was encouraged by Democrats.
“Democrats want us to believe that military service is some kind of indicator that you are alt-right, far-right, that you hate the country because you hate the idea of DEI attacking meritocracy. '' Jones said.
“The only thing I know about Pete Hegseth is that if he is confirmed as Secretary of Defense, he will not seek retaliation against National Guard troops or anyone for that matter. We will treat them the same and give them all the opportunity to be the best force our country has ever seen.”
Lawmakers have questioned Hegseth's ability to win confirmation, citing his lack of experience as a military leader and past allegations of sexual assault.
Trump does not recall his nomination and has not publicly addressed the backlash.
