This Week's Proof of the GOP's Moral Rot: Cowardly Pete Hegseth

Pete Hegseth is facing one of the most challenging periods any Cabinet secretary has endured in modern U.S. history. His troubles appear entirely warranted. Known for his bombastic behavior, dishonesty, and evasiveness, Hegseth is under intense scrutiny following a second military strike on a vessel allegedly involved in drug trafficking. This strike resulted in the deaths of two survivors from the initial attack and raises serious legal and ethical concerns. Hegseth has publicly deflected all responsibility onto a Naval officer, who is unable to defend himself publicly.

Moreover, Hegseth demonstrates little respect for the established codes of honorable military conduct. A video from 2016 shows him praising these principles rhetorically when Democrats led the Pentagon, yet his current actions reveal he disregards such standards, prioritizing political gain and power above all else. As Defense Secretary, he has proven to be a catastrophic choice.

But the question arises: did anyone genuinely expect otherwise? Was it plausible to imagine a former talk-show host managing the nations largest governmental organization competently? The answer seems obvious: no. Yet, Hegseth ascended to this role regardless.

Three factors contributed to this outcome, each reflecting broader issues within the Republican Party. First, Hegseth was Trumps selection. Without Trump, he would never have been nominated. His appeal stemmed from his media persona and opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Second, many Republican senators abdicated their constitutional duty to evaluate the nominee critically. Only three voted against Hegseth, while 47 supported him despite apparent red flags. Mississippi Senator Roger Wicker, chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is now seen as a reasonable voice, yet his support in January was marked by statements praising Hegseths supposed energy and new warrior ethos, words that likely lacked sincerity. Third, conservative media reinforced Hegseths suitability, discouraging dissent among GOP members by threatening political repercussions and promoting narratives contrary to reality.

This media environment, combined with social media amplification, fosters widespread belief in conspiracy theories and misinformation. A recent poll by the Manhattan Institute revealed concerning attitudes within the GOP: 33% believe vaccines cause autism, 36% think the moon landing was faked, 37% doubt the Holocausts scale, 41% suspect U.S. involvement in 9/11, and 51% consider the 2020 election stolen. Fifteen percent admitted to holding racist beliefs.

While it is not accurate to place full blame on Fox News or similar outlets, their platforms contribute to an ecosystem where factual reality is routinely questioned if it conflicts with conservative narratives. In this context, a figure like Hegseth can ascend, shielded by deception and political expediency, enabling ethically questionable actions, including targeting vessels without transparent justification. This episode underscores the moral decay that has permeated the Republican Party, culminating in leadership choices that endanger both legality and ethical standards.

Author: Zoe Harrison