President Donald Trump’s scandal-plagued protection secretary, Pete Hegseth, has opened a brand new entrance within the conflict on public opinion: a make-up studio improve on the Pentagon.
CBS Information studies that Hegseth ordered “several thousand dollars” in modifications for a room subsequent to the Pentagon’s present press briefing room so it may be used as a make-up studio earlier than his TV appearances. The outlet reported {that a} chair with a big mirror and make-up lighting had been added to the room.
The suggestion for the modifications reportedly got here from Tami Radabaugh, a former producer for the Fox Information program “Fox & Friends,” the place Hegseth labored for years. Radabaugh now works as “Deputy Assistant to the Secretary of Defense (Strategic Engagement).”
Hegseth lashed out at CBS for reporting on his challenge.
“Totally fake story. No ‘orders’ and no ‘makeup’—but whatever,” he wrote.
The rapid-response account for the Division of Protection leapt to Hegseth’s protection with a put up calling the CBS report “fake news.” However the put up was accompanied by a photograph of the room—and it contains the mirror and chair that CBS reported.
Echoing Trump, conservatives and Republicans ceaselessly use the “fake news” smear to assault factual reporting that reveals the precise in a adverse mild.
The whining from Hegseth and his division can be at odds with the picture of fake masculinity that he and different Republicans have promoted over time. Apparently, robust “warfighters”—Hegseth’s favourite buzzword—don’t like their interior machinations uncovered, notably when it’s all about picture.
The make-up room story highlights the truth that in his quick tenure in workplace, Hegseth has needed to take to the airwaves (normally on Fox Information) to defend his quite a few missteps.
There are now studies of a number of cases of Hegseth being concerned in unsecured group chats discussing navy plans with individuals who aren’t approved to listen to such info, together with a journalist and members of Hegseth’s household.
On the similar time, Hegseth has been finishing up Trump’s assaults on the Civil Rights Motion throughout the Pentagon. The company has purged data of achievements made by Black individuals and ladies, underneath the guise of purging the promotion of variety, fairness, and inclusion.
Hegseth has even fumbled at his core job operate. In his first abroad journey as secretary of protection, Hegseth triggered worldwide condemnation by arguing that Ukraine ought to hand over a few of its sovereign territory to Russia, which invaded that nation.
Trump picked Hegseth as a result of the president is obsessive about watching Fox Information and Fox closely featured Hegseth for his right-wing navy commentary. Hegseth’s major qualification to steer probably the most highly effective navy in world historical past appears to be how he appeared on tv—so is it any surprise that he now desires a make-up improve?
