Newsmax Puts the Kibosh on Criticism of Hegseth After Trump’s Hissy Fit
Host Greg Kelly called Hegseth “blackmailable,” reportedly prompting a staff-wide warning to “focus on the positive.”
Screenshot/Newsmax
Negative comments about defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth are reportedly off limits at Newsmax after one anchor’s segment drew the fury of President-elect Donald Trump, according to a report.
Anchor Greg Kelly called Hegseth “blackmailable” and rebuked the former Fox News co-host’s “baggage” in claiming that the nominee “hasn’t done nearly enough for MAGA” to earn the top government spot. Among allegations of sexual assault and reports of alcohol abuse, Hegseth’s nomination has faced fierce public opposition from senators on both sides of the aisle.
Kelly and other news anchors have been adding fuel to the fire with segments scrutinizing Hegseth’s vetting.
Following Kelly’s segment last week, Team Trump reportedly contacted Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy and gave him an earful, reported Mediaite, citing three sources.
However the network disputed this claim in a statement, clarifying: “President Trump never called Mr. Ruddy about the Hegseth nomination, and he never expressed dissatisfaction with Greg Kelly’s show in any way.”
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Whatever President-elect Trump did or didn’t do, Ruddy was reportedly left “shook,” according to Mediaite, and this was passed on to the staff.
"He should not be the Secretary of Defense with this record."
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) December 5, 2024
Greg Kelly discussed his opposition to Pete Hegseth's Defense Secretary nomination on Thursday's "American Agenda." @gregkellyusa @KatrinaSzish @BobBrooks_NMX pic.twitter.com/yFkjKvOCOg
Meidaite reported that chief operating officer Elliott Jacobson held a staff meeting at the station’s New York offices to warn staff that coverage of Hegseth should “focus on the positive,” according to a source.
“Any issues following this will result in termination,” Jacobson warned.
On Friday, Kelly reportedly gave Hegseth some light criticism but nowhere near the criticism of his previously fiery comments.
Newsmax did not immediately respond when contacted by the Daily Beast.
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