Donald Trump’s Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth has preemptively responded to an anticipated report claiming he was never accepted to West Point. The former Fox News host shared a letter on social media that he says proves otherwise.
Hegseth, who graduated from Princeton University in 2003 before becoming an infantry officer in the Army National Guard, took to X to address what he called a “knowingly false report” by investigative outlet ProPublica.
“We understand that ProPublica (the Left Wing hack group) is planning to publish a knowingly false report that I was not accepted to West Point in 1999,” Hegseth posted. “Here’s my letter of acceptance signed by West Point Superintendent, Lieutenant General Daniel Christman, US Army.”
ProPublica, which describes itself as an “independent, non-profit newsroom that produces investigative journalism in the public interest,” has yet to publish its report, and the exact timing of its release remains unclear.
Hegseth’s post included a letter that appears to be signed by Lieutenant General Daniel Christman, then superintendent of the United States Military Academy. The letter reads:
“On behalf of the President and the Secretary of the Army, I am pleased to announce that the United States Military Academy has accepted you for admission,” it states. “Contingent upon continuation of your excellent record and your medical and dental qualification at the time of enrollment.”
The letter goes on to congratulate Hegseth, emphasizing the significance of his achievement: “Your appointment to the Class of 2003 is an admirable accomplishment in itself. In gaining admission, you have demonstrated an exceptional potential for future service to your country and fellow citizens.
West Point’s education and training programs will give you the opportunity to develop that potential fully.” While Hegseth has shared this document to counter ProPublica’s anticipated claims, questions are likely to persist until the report itself is made public.
ProPublica is known for its thorough investigative journalism, and this latest dispute is sure to add more scrutiny to Hegseth’s nomination. Hegseth’s proactive defense highlights the potential challenges Trump’s nominee could face during his confirmation process, as critics continue to question both his qualifications and prior controversies.
For now, the debate over West Point’s acceptance letter has added another layer of intrigue to Hegseth’s already polarizing candidacy.