On January 25, 2025, Pete Hegseth was confirmed as the U.S. Secretary of Defense in a narrow 51-50 Senate vote, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tiebreaking vote. A former Fox News host and Army veteran, Hegseth’s nomination was highly controversial, marked by allegations of excessive drinking, sexual misconduct, and financial mismanagement. Among these, the question of whether Hegseth has a drinking problem has persisted, raising concerns about his ability to lead the Department of Defense, a role that demands constant readiness and sound judgment. This article examines the evidence, Hegseth’s responses, and the broader implications for his leadership.

Hegseth’s history with alcohol has been a focal point of scrutiny. In a 2021 appearance on The Will Cain Show podcast, he candidly described his struggles with alcohol after returning from deployment in Iraq in 2006. He recounted turning to beer as a form of self-medication, stating, “One beer leads to many, leads to self-medication, leads to ‘I’ve earned this.’” He acknowledged heavy drinking during that period, attributing it to the isolation he felt after returning home. Additionally, in his 2016 book In the Arena, Hegseth admitted to crafting a “pious caricature” of himself that involved abstaining from alcohol, but he also wrote, “I barely trust someone who doesn’t enjoy a few drinks,” suggesting a casual attitude toward drinking at the time.

More recent allegations paint a troubling picture. A December 2024 report by The New Yorker cited a whistleblower who claimed Hegseth was repeatedly intoxicated while leading Concerned Veterans for America, a nonprofit he headed from 2013 to 2016. The report alleged he was “totally sloshed” at a 2014 event and had to be carried to his room. It also claimed Hegseth ordered three gin and tonics at a weekday breakfast meeting in 2023. Furthermore, ten current and former Fox News employees told NBC News in December 2024 that they had smelled alcohol on Hegseth before he went on air for Fox & Friends Weekend, with some recalling him discussing being hungover on set. A January 2025 affidavit from Hegseth’s former sister-in-law, Danielle Hegseth, submitted to senators, alleged he frequently drank to the point of passing out at family gatherings and had been abusive while intoxicated, causing his ex-wife to fear for her safety.

Hegseth has consistently denied having a drinking problem. In a December 2024 interview on The Megyn Kelly Show, he stated, “I’ve never had a drinking problem. No one’s ever approached me and said, ‘You should really look at getting help for drinking.’ Never.” He emphasized that he never sought counseling for alcohol use, though he respected those who did. During his Senate confirmation hearing on January 14, 2025, Hegseth dismissed allegations of excessive drinking as “anonymous smears” and refused to confirm or deny specific incidents, such as being carried out of events while drunk. However, he pledged to abstain from alcohol if confirmed, likening the role of Secretary of Defense to a military deployment under General Order Number 1, which prohibits drinking. “This is the biggest deployment of my life, and there won’t be a drop of alcohol on my lips while I’m doing it,” he said.

Despite this promise, skepticism remains. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) asked Hegseth during his hearing if he would resign if he drank on the job, but he refused to give a direct yes-or-no answer, raising doubts about his commitment. Posts on X following a February 2025 NATO press conference in Brussels alleged that Hegseth was drinking amber liquid—possibly whiskey—during the event, with some users claiming he took multiple sips over 27 minutes. However, a report by The Dispatch on February 19, 2025, countered these claims, noting that higher-definition videos showed the liquid to be clear, likely water, and there was no conclusive evidence of alcohol consumption.

The military context adds another layer of concern. A 2019 study by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) found that heavy drinking is significantly higher among military personnel than civilians, with 32.2% of young men in the military engaging in heavy drinking compared to 17.8% of civilian men. The study highlighted a military culture that often facilitates excessive alcohol use, which may have influenced Hegseth’s past behavior. Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta emphasized the importance of discipline in the role, stating, “You can’t be a warrior, a fighter, if you’re having problems drinking.”

Hegseth’s confirmation echoes historical precedents. In 1989, John Tower’s nomination for Secretary of Defense was rejected due to allegations of alcohol abuse, despite his claim of sobriety since 1983. Hegseth’s confirmation, despite similar concerns, reflects the polarized nature of the current Senate and the strong support he received from President Trump and Republican lawmakers. However, the allegations have set a high bar for accountability. Critics like Senator Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island) have vowed to monitor Hegseth closely, arguing that his history makes him unfit for a position overseeing 1.3 million active-duty personnel and a budget nearing $850 billion.

In conclusion, while there is substantial anecdotal evidence suggesting Hegseth has struggled with alcohol in the past, there is no definitive proof that he currently has a drinking problem or that he has broken his pledge to abstain while in office. His past admissions and the allegations from credible sources raise legitimate concerns, but his denials and the lack of concrete evidence of recent misuse—such as during the NATO press conference—leave the question open. Given the critical nature of his role, Hegseth’s ability to maintain sobriety and lead effectively will remain under intense scrutiny, with little room for error.