Governor Gavin Newsom mocked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on X by juxtaposing a flattering photo of Pete Buttigieg with a 2023 image of Hegseth partying on Fox News’ All‑American New Year. The photo resurfaced amid a New Yorker report citing former Fox colleagues who alleged repeated intoxication and unprofessional conduct—claims Hegseth denies. Newsom’s post is part of a larger pattern of provocative social‑media attacks on Trump‑aligned figures.
Newsom Mocks Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Over Viral Party Photo and Whistleblower Claims
Pool / Getty Images
California Gov. Gavin Newsom continued his online jabs at national figures by posting a side-by-side image on X that contrasts a respectful photo of former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg with a widely circulated, less flattering photo of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
What Happened
On Saturday, Newsom’s communications team shared the post with the caption, “California: this weekend, be the good Pete,” pairing a portrait of Buttigieg labeled “public servant” with a 2023 image of Hegseth chugging champagne while wearing a wet shirt, labeled “public nuisance.” The Hegseth photo originates from Fox News’ All-American New Year broadcast in 2023, during which he appeared jovial and was filmed drinking from glasses, bottles and his hands while being dunked into a vat of liquid.
Pete Hegseth denied allegations of alcohol abuse in response to a whistleblower report emerging soon after his nomination as defense secretary. / ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP via Getty Images
Allegations and Denials
The resurfaced footage followed a whistleblower-style story in The New Yorker based on accounts from former Fox colleagues that alleged repeated intoxication and other unprofessional conduct. The reporting included former employees telling NBC News they worried Hegseth’s drinking could pose national-security concerns. One anonymous source was quoted as saying that such behavior should be disqualifying for a defense secretary.
Hegseth has publicly denied having a drinking problem. He denied the allegations on the Megyn Kelly show, and his attorney, Tim Parlatore, told The New Yorker the pair would not comment on what they called “outlandish claims.” A Trump transition team spokesperson similarly called the reports “completely unfounded and false,” and highlighted Hegseth’s military service. CNN’s Manu Raju also noted that Hegseth had reportedly pledged not to drink if confirmed.
The image chosen by Newsom showed Hegseth getting very into the festive spirit for Fox News' 2023 New Year's celebrations, as the governor continues trolling MAGA online. / Brandon Bell / Getty Images
Political Context
Newsom’s post is part of a broader pattern of provocative social-media activity aimed at Trump-aligned figures. In recent days the governor posted an AI-generated video that depicted Trump and Hegseth in handcuffs alongside Stephen Miller, a response to a MAGA clip of ICE agents detaining suspected undocumented immigrants. The governor has also traded public barbs with Elon Musk after saying Musk’s daughter had criticized him; Musk called Newsom “evil” in response.
Hegseth had not publicly responded to Newsom’s latest post as of publication. The exchange highlights how social media is being used as a political tool to amplify past footage and ongoing allegations during high‑profile appointments.
