Reports indicate that critical remarks regarding defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth are now reportedly restricted at Newsmax after one anchor’s broadcast elicited a strong reaction from President-elect Donald Trump.
Anchor Greg Kelly labeled Hegseth as “blackmailable” and criticized the former Fox News co-host for his “baggage,” asserting that the nominee “hasn’t done enough for MAGA” to merit the high-ranking governmental role. Hegseth’s nomination has encountered significant public backlash, with allegations of sexual misconduct and claims of substance abuse being voiced by Senators from both political parties.
Kelly, along with other anchors, has been intensifying scrutiny of Hegseth’s vetting process through their segments.
After Kelly’s broadcast last week, Team Trump allegedly reached out to Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy, expressing their discontent, as reported by Mediaite, which cited three informants.
Nonetheless, the network contested this narrative in an official statement, asserting: “President Trump never contacted Mr. Ruddy regarding the Hegseth nomination, nor did he show any dissatisfaction with Greg Kelly’s program.”
Regardless of what actions President-elect Trump may or may not have taken, Ruddy was said to be left “shook,” according to Mediaite, and this sentiment was communicated to the staff.
Mediaite also revealed that the chief operating officer, Elliott Jacobson, convened a staff meeting at the New York headquarters to instruct employees that coverage of Hegseth should “emphasize the positive,” according to an insider.
“Any further issues stemming from this will lead to termination,” Jacobson cautioned.
On Friday, Kelly reportedly offered Hegseth a bit of mild criticism, but it fell far short of his earlier passionate remarks.
Newsmax did not provide an immediate response when approached by the Daily Beast.
