Pete Hegseth attacks ex-Fox News colleague, calls her "fake news", "Trump hater"
Democrats questioned a list of expenses, including the request made by Pete Hegseth for $49,000 for an "emergency" paint job in the government housing.
Pete Hegseth has lashed out against a former Fox News colleague who published a letter sent to the defense Secretary from Congress questioning his home repairs expenses.
Jennifer Griffin, 56, the Fox News national security correspondent took to X to post a letter Hegseth received from the Democrats on the House Appropriations Committee where the officials seek an explanation on why Hegseth needed more than $130,000 to repair his house that is furnished by the government, DailyMail.com reported.
The total cost is around $137,297 to improve the sprawling 4,000-square-foot government house.
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Among a list of expenses, Hegseth requested $49,000 for an "emergency" paint job.
Following Griffin's post, Hegseth called it "fake news", adding that Griffin is one of the "Trump haters."
Dems on House Appropriations Committee ask why Sec Hegseth needs $137,297 for home repairs/paint for government residence, in light of DOGE efforts to save tax payer money? Letter below: https://t.co/XdbOTBeRJ5 pic.twitter.com/KDVV3uffYf
— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) February 7, 2025
He also said that her actions were "not surprising" and said that she and Democrats are the "same thing."
The 44-year-old Defense Secretary claimed that the repairs were going to happen "no matter who was moving in" and were "all initiated by the DoD."
He said that neither the Democrats nor Griffin "care about facts" because "they're just Trump haters."
In the Feb. 7 letter, Democrats demand answers by Feb. 21 from Hegseth who is living in government housing, unlike former defense secretary Lloyd Austin who resided in his private home in Great Falls, Virginia.
Democrats asked Hegseth "What commitment will you make to provide service members with a similarly high quality of housing for themselves and their families?"
They also pointed out his annual income of $246,000 besides the millions of dollars he inculcated as a former Fox News host.
Hegseth faced a contentious Senate hearing six days before Trump's inauguration before he was confirmed.
A former Fox News host, Hegseth is an army veteran who does not have any senior military or national security experience.
Hegseth faced a slew of controversies, including allegations of sexual assault, alleged heavy drinking on the job, his crusader tattoo, and previous comments on how women should not be allowed to serve in combat roles.
