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In a revelation that has sparked both intrigue and criticism, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared his ideal dinner party guest list, offering a glimpse into his priorities amidst ongoing controversies.
Hegseth, 45, an Iraq War veteran and former Fox News personality, recently appeared on “The Katie Miller Podcast.” During the episode, released Tuesday, he was asked to name three individuals, living or deceased, he would invite to a dinner party and what he would serve. His answer was direct and politically charged.
“Well, at this point, I think it’d be President Trump, Vladimir Putin and Zelensky and see what happens,” Hegseth stated. When pressed on the menu, he responded, “No comment.
Steaks. Whatever the president wants.
We’ll see what happens. A dinner for peace.”
Podcast host Katie Miller, a GOP advisor and former Trump administration official, playfully suggested, “Steaks well done, french fries,” to which Hegseth added, “Done. And Russian dressing.”
These comments come as Hegseth faces intense scrutiny following a Washington Post report alleging he ordered a second U.S. military strike on a drug-carrying vessel, resulting in the deaths of two individuals who survived an initial strike. Hegseth vehemently denies the allegations, labeling the report as “fake news” and accusing the outlet of “fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting to discredit our incredible warriors fighting to protect the homeland.” At least 83 people have reportedly been killed in U.S. military strikes on alleged drug-carrying vessels in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific.
The proposed dinner party scenario, featuring leaders at the heart of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, arrives as the war approaches its fourth anniversary. With hundreds of thousands estimated to have been killed, peace negotiations remain a critical global focus.
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have reportedly met with Putin for peace negotiations, with emerging reports suggesting a potential shift in the U.S. stance regarding Moscow-annexed Crimea.
Meanwhile, members of Congress from both parties have launched an investigation into the allegations against Hegseth, with some suggesting potential “war crimes” and calling for his resignation. Further fueling the controversy, Hegseth posted what critics deemed insensitive memes about the strikes on social media over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, even drawing condemnation from the publisher of “Franklin the Turtle” for his use of the fictional character. This latest incident follows a Pentagon finding that Hegseth’s use of the Signal app for discussing Yemen strikes risked endangering U.S. troops, and an earlier scandal involving the accidental leak of alleged top-secret war plans by Trump officials.