Fact-check analysisVerified as of June 26, 2025Curated by FactVerify
Mostly True

This is what happens when you put an unqualified TV host with a drinking problem in charge of our military. Thom Tillis knew Pete Hegseth was unfit but flipped under Trump’s pressure. He was the deciding vote, and now Americans are less safe.

Pete Hegseth, a former TV host with allegations including intoxication and misconduct, was nominated by Donald Trump to be Secretary of Defense. He promised to stop drinking if confirmed. Reports indicate Thom Tillis was initially hesitant to support Hegseth but ultimately voted to confirm him, reportedly under pressure.

Critics argue Hegseth was unqualified and that his appointment poses risks to American security. While the drinking problem and unqualified status are supported by multiple sources, the exact nature of Tillis's vote being the deciding one and direct causation that Americans are less safe is a subjective interpretation and not definitively proven.

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Source: factverify.com

Primary trail

Verified Sources4

Pete Hegseth Promised To Stop Drinking if Confirmed as Secretary of

snopes.com
Open source

Pete Hegseth forced out of vets groups over misconduct: Report

thehill.com
Open source

Why Trump nominated a 'wholly unqualified' Fox News host for defense

independent.co.uk
Open source
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