When it comes to taking down opponents on social media, Senator Elizabeth Warren might want to do a bit of research next time.
This week, she set her sights on U.S. Army veteran Pete Hegseth—President-elect Trump’s pick for Defense Secretary—and, predictably, the whole thing backfired. Warren seemed to think a few snarky lines on X (formerly Twitter) would call Hegseth’s qualifications into question. But when she called him out as little more than a “Fox & Friends weekend co-host,” she quickly got a history lesson on his real résumé. And it turns out there’s a lot more to Hegseth than a news studio and a teleprompter.
Warren’s post started with a jab at Hegseth’s TV career. She tweeted, “A Fox & Friends weekend co-host is not qualified to be the Secretary of Defense,” as though a high-profile media career is the sum total of Hegseth’s experience. She threw in her own credentials, reminding everyone that she leads the Senate military personnel panel and that she’s got three brothers who served in uniform. That’s fine, Senator, but maybe check out the background of the man you’re criticizing. She painted Hegseth as a media personality, a caricature of a newsman with no substance behind the screen.
A Fox & Friends weekend co-host is not qualified to be the Secretary of Defense.
I lead the Senate military personnel panel. All three of my brothers served in uniform. I respect every one of our servicemembers.
Donald Trump’s pick will make us less safe and must be rejected. https://t.co/6ADUJSm8x6
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) November 13, 2024
However, her attempt at dismissal missed the mark by a mile. Hegseth’s résumé isn’t just impressive—it’s practically a checklist of qualifications for Defense Secretary. He served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, racking up two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman’s Badge, which you don’t get for reading cue cards on live TV. He’s a combat veteran who served tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay. Oh, and in case that wasn’t enough, he graduated from Princeton and Harvard. That’s right: this supposed “Fox News host” is Ivy League through and through, with an education Warren herself would likely have been proud to tout.
Naturally, Warren’s critics on social media didn’t hold back. Conservative voices were quick to point out the glaring omission of Hegseth’s military service and academic achievements. Evan Berryhill, for instance, reminded her, “You left out some of his resume: 20 years of military service. 2 bronze stars. Degrees from Princeton and Harvard.” Then there was Sean Davis from The Federalist, who didn’t mince words either. Davis hit Warren where it hurt, saying, “You falsely claimed to be an Indian to get a job you couldn’t get on the merits. Sit down, Pocahontas.” For Warren, whose credibility has taken hits over her own résumé-padding in the past, that’s got to sting.
Pete Hegseth is literally a combat veteran with 2 bronze stars who led a squadron in Baghdad. He’s worked on veterans issues ever since and he’s also a Princeton + Harvard graduate. You do NOT respect our troops or you wouldn’t disrespect Pete by calling him just a Fox host.
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) November 13, 2024
Hegseth’s supporters made it clear that reducing him to “weekend co-host” was not just misleading—it was a slap in the face to veterans. Many pointed out that Hegseth’s service, commitment to veteran advocacy, and National Guard reserve status embody the kind of dedication Warren claimed to respect. One commentator didn’t mince words, saying, “Characterizing him as simply a Fox News host is a despicable lie of omission. This [type of comment] is why your party was wiped out in the election. Are you all not capable of learning anything?”
Congratulations to my friend and colleague Pete Hegseth. You have served this great nation’s military and you are a wonderful father, husband to Jen and more… with you we win! pic.twitter.com/JIF1xZ3GTG
— HARRISFAULKNER (@HARRISFAULKNER) November 13, 2024
The irony here is that while Warren claimed to be standing up for our military’s safety, her comments had the opposite effect. By brushing off Hegseth’s military service, she only proved to many Americans why they’re frustrated with the Democrats: the arrogance, the elitism, and, frankly, the thinly veiled disdain for anyone who doesn’t align with their worldview.
🚨NEW: Newly appointed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on reforming US military leadership:
Anyone “involved in the woke sh*t has got to go…you have to reestablish that trust by putting in no-nonsense warfighters in those positions who aren’t going to cater to the socially… pic.twitter.com/9181gOVp2q
— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) November 13, 2024
Hegseth, still an inactive reservist in the Minnesota National Guard, has been consistent in his dedication to U.S. security and veterans’ issues. But that’s not enough for Warren, apparently. To her, the only thing that matters is that he dared to voice conservative ideas on Fox News.
It’s clear why Trump picked Hegseth; he’s someone who values service, dedication, and experience over political theatre. Warren, on the other hand, might want to focus on her own record before calling others’ into question. This clash didn’t just leave Hegseth looking stronger—it left Warren with egg on her face once again.
