Pete Hegseth was mocked online on Tuesday, 12 May, after a video from a Washington hearing on Pentagon funding linked to the Iran war appeared to show the self-styled 'old-fashioned alpha male' pursing glossy lips and, according to some viewers, wearing make-up as he testified.
The scrutiny of Hegseth's appearance and manner comes after years of questions about both his public persona and private conduct. The 45-year-old former Fox News presenter has long styled himself as a rugged conservative figure, and his rise to a senior defence role under Donald Trump has brought even greater attention to his behaviour. Earlier reports had already raised concerns about alleged heavy drinking in professional settings, so when fresh footage surfaced this week, critics quickly seized on it.
