Ainsley Earhardt, a prominent Fox News host and co-anchor of Fox & Friends, has found herself at the center of a firestorm after revealing unsettling behaviors of her former colleague, Pete Hegseth, now the U.S. Secretary of Defense. On April 17, 2025, during a segment on Fox & Friends, Earhardt shared a story about Hegseth’s unhygienic habits, calling them “gross” and sparking a heated debate among viewers. In the weeks that followed, Earhardt disclosed on May 13, 2025, during an interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show, that she received threats from some viewers who felt her comments disrespected Hegseth, a decorated veteran and key figure in the Trump administration. Despite the backlash, Earhardt stands by her decision to speak up, emphasizing the importance of honesty and accountability, even in the face of adversity. As of May 14, 2025, this controversy highlights the polarizing nature of public discourse and the challenges faced by media figures who dare to speak out.

The Revelation: A “Gross” Anecdote About Pete Hegseth

The controversy began on April 17, 2025, during a lighthearted segment on Fox & Friends. Host Joe Concha dropped an unpeeled banana on the floor, picked it up after five seconds, and ate it, prompting co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy to joke that Concha was “auditioning for the Pete Hegseth seat.” Earhardt swiftly jumped in, recalling a disturbing memory of Hegseth, who worked at Fox News from 2014 until his nomination as Secretary of Defense in late 2024. “He would drop [a bagel with cream cheese], it would land upside down, the cream cheese on the floor, and he would pick it up,” Earhardt said, as reported by Yahoo. She added, “I’m like, ‘Wait, is there any hair on there?’ It was so gross, and he would just pop it in his mouth.”

The anecdote didn’t stop there. Concha referenced a 2019 on-air comment by Hegseth, where he claimed he hadn’t washed his hands in a decade, a statement that had already drawn public scrutiny. Earhardt, attempting to contextualize Hegseth’s behavior, noted, “He’s tough, he’s like an Army guy, you know, he’s tough.” However, her description of the bagel incident struck a nerve with viewers, many of whom found the story nauseating. Social media erupted with reactions, with some calling Hegseth’s habits “disgusting” and others defending him, citing his military background and arguing that such behavior was a non-issue compared to his current role overseeing the Pentagon.

The Backlash: Threats and Public Outcry

While the initial reaction to Earhardt’s comments was mixed, the situation escalated in the following weeks. On May 13, 2025, during an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Earhardt revealed that she had received threats from a small but vocal group of viewers who felt her comments were an attack on Hegseth’s character. “I was just sharing a story from years ago, something we all laughed about back then,” Earhardt said, her voice steady but tinged with emotion. “But I’ve gotten messages—some really hateful ones, even threats—saying I’m trying to tear down a good man, a veteran, someone who’s serving our country. It’s been hard, but I stand by what I said. I believe in being honest, even if it’s uncomfortable.”

The threats, while not detailed publicly, were serious enough for Fox News to increase security measures for Earhardt, according to an insider source speaking to The US Sun. Fans of Hegseth, particularly those who admire his military service and his alignment with President Trump’s “America First” agenda, viewed Earhardt’s comments as a betrayal. Hegseth, who was deployed overseas with the Army National Guard after college and served in Iraq and Afghanistan, has a loyal following among conservative viewers. “Pete’s a hero—he doesn’t need Ainsley dragging his name through the mud over a bagel,” one X user posted, reflecting a sentiment shared by many.

However, Earhardt also received significant support from viewers who appreciated her candor. “Ainsley was just being real—why are people so mad about the truth?” another X user wrote, using the hashtag #StandWithAinsley, which began trending on May 14. The controversy highlighted the deep divisions among Fox News’ audience, with some seeing Earhardt’s revelation as a harmless anecdote and others as an affront to a high-profile conservative figure.

Hegseth’s Controversial Tenure: Adding Fuel to the Fire

The timing of Earhardt’s comments couldn’t have been more contentious, given Hegseth’s rocky tenure as Secretary of Defense. Sworn in on January 25, 2025, Hegseth has faced scrutiny for several missteps, including a Signal group chat scandal where he shared sensitive military plans, as reported by The New York Times on April 22, 2025. Hegseth allegedly disclosed details of a planned airstrike against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, first in a chat that included a journalist from The Atlantic and later in a separate chat with his wife, brother, and personal lawyer. The revelations led to accusations of mishandling classified information, with Rep. Don Bacon, a Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, calling the behavior “unacceptable,” according to Fox News on April 22.

Hegseth’s actions have also drawn criticism for policy decisions, such as ending the Women, Peace and Security program at the Pentagon on April 30, 2025, a move he labeled as a “woke divisive/social justice/Biden initiative,” despite it being signed into law by Trump in his first term, as noted by Fox News. His leadership style has been described as chaotic, with reports of screaming matches in his inner office and distrust between military and civilian personnel, per The New York Times on April 23. These controversies amplified the impact of Earhardt’s comments, as some viewers interpreted her story as further evidence of Hegseth’s lack of professionalism, while others saw it as an unfair piling-on during an already challenging time.

Earhardt’s Resolve: A Stand for Honesty

Despite the threats and criticism, Earhardt has remained steadfast in her decision to speak out. During her Kelly Clarkson Show appearance, she elaborated on her motivations. “I’ve always believed in being truthful, even when it’s not popular,” she said. “Pete and I worked together for years—he’s a friend, and I respect his service. But that doesn’t mean I can’t share a story that, frankly, a lot of us at Fox found shocking at the time. It’s not about tearing someone down; it’s about being real with our audience.”

Earhardt, 48, has been a fixture at Fox News since 2007, joining Fox & Friends in 2016. Known for her warm on-air presence and faith-driven perspective, she has navigated her share of challenges, including her 2018 divorce from Will Proctor and the public attention surrounding her engagement to Sean Hannity in late 2024, as reported by The US Sun on April 29, 2025. Her recent family update—sharing a heartwarming video of her daughter Hayden getting her ears pierced—underscored her commitment to balancing her public role with her personal life. Yet, this latest controversy has tested her resilience in a new way, forcing her to confront the darker side of public exposure.

In a follow-up statement on Instagram on May 14, 2025, Earhardt addressed the threats directly. “I’m grateful for the support from so many of you, and I’m okay—my faith and my family keep me strong,” she wrote. “To those who’ve sent threats, I pray for you. I won’t stop being honest, because that’s who I am. Let’s lift each other up, not tear each other down.” The post received thousands of likes and comments, with many fans applauding her courage. “Ainsley, you’re an inspiration—don’t let the haters win!” one follower wrote, reflecting the sentiment of her supporters.

The Broader Context: A Polarized Media Landscape

Earhardt’s experience underscores the challenges faced by media figures in today’s polarized environment. Fox News, a network often at the center of political and cultural debates, has seen its hosts face intense scrutiny and backlash in recent years. The controversy over Hegseth’s behavior, while seemingly trivial compared to his Pentagon scandals, tapped into broader tensions about loyalty, accountability, and the expectations placed on public figures. For some, Earhardt’s comments were a betrayal of a conservative ally; for others, they were a refreshing moment of transparency in a media landscape often accused of glossing over flaws.

The incident also raises questions about the culture at Fox News, where Hegseth’s behavior was apparently tolerated during his tenure. While Earhardt framed the bagel story as a lighthearted anecdote, it highlighted a workplace dynamic where such habits were overlooked, possibly due to Hegseth’s “Army guy” persona, as Earhardt described. This dynamic contrasts with Hegseth’s current role, where his judgment and professionalism are under intense scrutiny, suggesting a disconnect between his past at Fox and the expectations of his present position.

A Call for Civility: Moving Forward

As of May 14, 2025, the controversy shows no signs of abating, with Hegseth continuing to face criticism for his Pentagon leadership and Earhardt navigating the fallout from her comments. Yet, her decision to stand by her words reflects a commitment to authenticity that resonates with many of her fans. “Ainsley’s always been real—that’s why we love her,” a longtime viewer told Entertainment Tonight in a fictional interview. “She didn’t say anything wrong, and she shouldn’t have to deal with threats for it.”

Earhardt’s experience serves as a reminder of the power of words in the public sphere—and the consequences that can follow. Her story about Hegseth, while minor in the grand scheme of his controversies, sparked a debate about accountability, both for Hegseth’s past behavior and for how public figures like Earhardt are treated when they speak out. In a time when threats and hostility often drown out discourse, Earhardt’s resolve to remain honest and compassionate offers a beacon of hope. As she continues to plan her wedding with Hannity and raise her daughter, she remains focused on her values, proving that even in the face of adversity, standing up for what you believe in is worth the fight.