Newsom questions Pete Hegseth and suggests he take a drug test after latest public appearance

Newsom questions Pete Hegseth and suggests he take a drug test after latest public appearance ‘He's delusional, manic, agitated,’ the California governor wrote on X - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments California Governor Gavin Newsom questioned whether Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has recently taken a drug test following his latest public appearance. Speaking to reporters Thursday in Panama, Hegseth was asked about conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, the aircraft carrier that has spent more than 250 days at sea during the ongoing war with Iran. The unusually long deployment has fueled reports of supply shortages and deteriorating mental health among sailors. Military Times reported that multiple crew members attempted to go overboard as the carrier’s time at sea stretched on. “The morale is not good,” said Bonnie York, whose stepson is aboard the Lincoln, told MS NOW. “Apparently, the ship’s doctor or therapist said they need to hit port soon or people are going to start, you know, losing their minds.” Hegseth, however, dismissed reports of worsening conditions as “completely misrepresented.” “We make sure that every crew, every ship, every captain has everything we can provide them at every single moment,” the defense secretary told reporters. “Some deployments are longer than others, and I have more respect and gratitude for those sailors than anybody. What they do in those high seas with those austere conditions with less port calls — it’s incredible.” “Americans don’t understand what it’s like to do that,” the former Fox News host and Army veteran continued. “As someone who’s not been on a ship like that, but been on long deployments, I feel it.” The remarks — as well as Hegseth’s mannerisms and animated delivery — caught the attention of Newsom, one of the Trump administration’s most persistent critics. “He's delusional, manic, agitated,” the California governor, who is considered a potential 2028 candidate, wrote on X. He added: “Has Pete Hegseth done a drug test lately? Why are the results not public?” Before his Senate confirmation in January 2025, Hegseth pledged to abstain from alcohol if confirmed, following reports and allegations of excessive drinking, including allegations that he had been intoxicated in public. “He offered up to me, and I know he has with other senators too, that he's not drinking, and that's not something he's going to do when confirmed here,” Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt said at the time. Hegseth, who was ultimately confirmed by a 51–50 vote, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote, also faced a sexual assault allegation stemming from 2017. He has denied wrongdoing and said the encounter was consensual. The Independent has contacted the Pentagon for comment. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments