No, he is still the United States Secretary of Defense. His approval rating has seen constant decline. A recent new poll found that 54% of all registered voters think Hegseth should leave his role as head of the Pentagon, with 22% believing he should remain and 24% not sure (source: The Guardian)
As of the latest reports, Pete Hegseth has not been fired from his roles at Fox News or his other positions, despite growing controversy over his past comments and far-right affiliations. Criticism from veterans’ groups, Democratic lawmakers, and media watchdogs has intensified, with calls for his removal, but Fox News has not taken public disciplinary action. His future remains uncertain amid internal reviews and advertiser pressure, though his influence in conservative media circles appears resilient for now.
The political and media landscape is roiling with debates over Pete Hegseth’s future as the Fox News co-host faces mounting backlash for a series of inflammatory remarks, ties to extremist figures, and his role in amplifying divisive rhetoric ahead of the 2024 election. The controversy, which has drawn condemnation from veterans’ organizations, Democratic leaders, and even some moderate Republicans, centers on Hegseth’s history of dismissive comments about military sexual assault, his promotion of conspiracy theories, and his associations with far-right groups like the Proud Boys. While no formal termination has been announced, sources within Fox News suggest internal discussions are underway, with advertisers increasingly wary of associating with his segments.Hegseth’s defenders, including high-profile GOP figures like Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson, have rallied to his side, framing the criticism as a ‘woke mob’ attack on conservative voices. Meanwhile, progressive watchdogs like Media Matters have escalated campaigns to hold Fox accountable, citing Hegseth’s pattern of ‘dangerous demagoguery.’ The situation is further complicated by Fox’s own legal vulnerabilities following its $787.5 million settlement with Dominion Voting Systems, which has led to speculation that the network may seek to distance itself from its most polarizing personalities. Hegseth’s approval ratings among conservative viewers remain strong—hovering around 62% in recent internal polls—but his broader public image has suffered, with a Reuters/Ipsos survey indicating only 38% of Americans view him favorably.The standoff reflects deeper tensions within the Republican Party, as establishment figures clash with the MAGA wing over the party’s direction. Hegseth, a prominent voice in the latter camp, has doubled down on his rhetoric, recently declaring that ‘the left wants to silence us because they can’t win the argument.’ His role as a co-chair of the Vets for Trump coalition has also come under scrutiny, with some veterans calling for his removal, arguing his comments ‘dishonor the uniform.’ For now, Fox has issued only tepid statements defending ‘robust debate,’ but insiders suggest the network is weighing its options as advertisers like Ford and Pfizer reportedly reconsider their sponsorships. The outcome could set a precedent for how media outlets handle talent embroiled in ideological battles, with implications for the 2024 election cycle and beyond.