When Pete Hegseth Said He Doesn’t Wash His Hands Because ‘Germs Are Not Real’

Donald Trump’s choice for defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, has become well-known for his tattoos and views on women in combat roles.

However, the most shocking thing he’s done recently is an old video where he claimed he hadn’t washed his hands in ten years because he believes germs aren’t actual. This video has been shared widely, especially as people have strong feelings about Trump’s cabinet choices—Hegseth being one of the most controversial picks.

Hegseth has been married three times and has seven children. Recently, he faced a sexual misconduct accusation. His lawyer stated that the situation was consensual, but Hegseth was pressured into giving the woman money during the #MeToo movement. Because of these issues, Trump’s team is reportedly unhappy with Hegseth and is looking for other candidates to replace him. They think he hasn’t been truthful with them. Meanwhile, Matt Gaetz, Trump’s attorney general pick, is facing legal troubles, but Trump has already publicly supported him. Hegseth’s situation is different.

“People are upset about the distraction. The general feeling is Pete hasn’t been honest,” a source told Vanity Fair.

The hand-washing video continues to be a hot topic.

In the Fox News segment 2019, Hegseth confessed that he had eaten pizza left out for a day without being refrigerated, saying he didn’t see a problem. He joked, “Really, I don’t wash my hands ever. I inoculate myself. Germs are not a real thing. I can’t see them; therefore, they’re not real.” His comments got a laugh from the audience.

Later, he said he was only joking but also expressed support for drinking water from a hose and riding bikes without helmets. Those posts on his X account have since been removed.

‘This is a Battle That is Just Beginning’

Pete Hegseth knows he has a tough road ahead. He needs to be approved by the Senate to become defence secretary. He attended a Republican prayer call on Tuesday, stating that the battle is just beginning. The call was hosted by Lara Trump, co-chair of the Republican National Committee, and he brought his wife, Jennifer, along.