Brit Hume Slams Pete Hegseth Over Iran Bombing Outburst

In a rare moment of internal discord at Fox News, veteran political analyst Brit Hume publicly rebuked his former colleague, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, during a live broadcast on June 26, 2025. The confrontation stemmed from Hegseth’s heated outburst against Fox News’ chief national security correspondent, Jennifer Griffin, during a Pentagon press conference addressing U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Hegseth’s personal attack on Griffin, accusing her of misrepresenting President Donald Trump’s statements, sparked a firestorm, with Hume stepping in to defend his colleague’s professionalism in a moment that captivated viewers and ignited a national conversation about media, politics, and loyalty.

The Pentagon Press Conference Clash

The controversy erupted during a Thursday morning briefing at the Pentagon, where Hegseth, a former Fox News host turned Defense Secretary, aimed to counter reports questioning the efficacy of Operation Midnight Hammer—a U.S. bombing campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear sites at Isfahan, Fordow, and Natanz. Initial assessments, reported by CNN and The New York Times, suggested the strikes set Iran’s nuclear program back by only months, not years, as the Trump administration claimed. Hegseth, visibly frustrated, lashed out at the media, accusing them of undermining the military’s success and “cheering against Trump.”

The tension peaked when Griffin, a respected Pentagon correspondent with decades of experience, pressed Hegseth on whether highly enriched uranium was still at Fordow during the strikes, citing satellite imagery showing trucks leaving the site days earlier. “Of course, we’re watching every single aspect,” Hegseth responded, before turning personal: “But, Jennifer, you’ve been about the worst, the one who misrepresents the most intentionally what the president says.” The accusation stunned the room, with Griffin, visibly shocked, defending her reporting: “I was the first to describe the B-2 bombers, the refueling, the entire mission with great accuracy. So I take issue with that.”

Hegseth’s attack was particularly notable given his and Griffin’s shared history at Fox News, where he co-hosted Fox & Friends Weekend until his appointment as Defense Secretary in January 2025. The exchange, broadcast live, set off a wave of reactions, with critics calling Hegseth’s remarks unprofessional and sexist. “He didn’t just attack her reporting—he went after her personally,” tweeted Ron Filipkowski of MeidasTouch. “This is an embarrassment for our country.”

Brit Hume’s Defense

Hours later, during a segment on America’s Newsroom, Brit Hume, Fox News’ chief political analyst since 1996, addressed the incident with uncharacteristic bluntness. Speaking to anchor Dana Perino, Hume requested a moment to defend Griffin: “I’d like to say a word, if I may, about Jennifer Griffin, who was attacked by the Defense Secretary today. An attack she certainly, in my view, did not deserve. Her professionalism, her knowledge, her experience at the Pentagon is unmatched. I have had and still have the greatest regard for her. The attack on her was unfair.”

Hume’s remarks, delivered with the gravitas of a 28-year Fox veteran, silenced the studio. The audience, accustomed to the network’s often unified conservative stance, witnessed a rare moment of internal critique. Hume’s defense was not just a personal endorsement of Griffin but a broader statement on journalistic integrity, drawing a line between political loyalty and factual reporting. His comments, shared widely on X, garnered over 4.7 million views, with users praising his stand. “Brit Hume just reminded everyone what real journalism looks like,” one user posted.

A Pattern of Tension

Hegseth’s clash with Griffin was not an isolated incident. Since his appointment, he has repeatedly targeted her, reflecting a broader tension between the Trump administration and journalists who challenge its narrative. In February 2025, Hegseth labeled Griffin a “Trump hater” after she reported on a congressional letter questioning $130,000 in taxpayer-funded repairs to his government residence, including a $49,000 paint job. Griffin also alleged that Hegseth shared “classified” information via a Signal group chat, a claim he dismissed but which fueled calls for his resignation.

This history made Hegseth’s outburst less surprising but no less controversial. Critics, including former White House official Daniel Koh, called Griffin’s question about the uranium “fair” and condemned Hegseth’s response as “smearing” a respected journalist. The incident also drew comparisons to earlier attacks on Griffin by former Fox host Tucker Carlson, who in 2022 called her a “deep state shill” for her reporting on Ukraine. The pattern of targeting Griffin, one of Fox’s most seasoned reporters, has raised questions about the network’s internal dynamics and its relationship with the Trump administration.

The Broader Context

The controversy unfolded against the backdrop of Operation Midnight Hammer, a high-stakes U.S. military operation. The Trump administration, including Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, insisted the strikes “severely damaged” Iran’s nuclear program, citing intelligence that rebuilding would take years. However, reports from the Defense Intelligence Agency and European allies suggested Iran may have moved enriched uranium before the strikes, undermining claims of “total obliteration.” Hegseth’s briefing aimed to dispel these doubts but instead escalated scrutiny of his leadership and credibility.

Hume’s critique also highlighted a broader issue: the media’s role in reporting military actions. While he defended Griffin, Hume expressed disappointment with other outlets for “breathlessly” highlighting preliminary assessments, suggesting a bias against positive coverage of U.S. operations. This duality—defending a colleague while critiquing the broader media—reflected Hume’s nuanced perspective, earning praise from those who saw it as a stand for balanced journalism.

Public and Media Reaction

The clash dominated social media, with #HegsethVsGriffin and #HumeDefends trending on X. Supporters of Griffin lauded her professionalism, with one user writing, “Jennifer Griffin is a class act. Hegseth’s attack was petty and uncalled for.” Others backed Hegseth, aligning with his claim that the media undermines Trump’s successes. “Griffin’s questions were loaded,” one user posted. “Hegseth called it like he saw it.”

Mainstream outlets, including The Washington Post and Newsweek, covered the incident, framing it as a symptom of the Trump administration’s fraught relationship with the press. The Daily Beast called Hume’s defense a “sober moment” in a polarized media landscape. Fox News management, however, remained silent, a decision some interpreted as an attempt to avoid further inflaming tensions.

Implications for Fox News and Beyond

Hume’s public rebuke of Hegseth exposed rare fault lines within Fox News, a network often aligned with Trump’s agenda. It underscored Griffin’s reputation as a rigorous journalist who, despite working for a conservative-leaning outlet, has faced criticism from MAGA figures for her fact-based reporting. The incident also highlighted the challenges of navigating loyalty and objectivity in a polarized era, particularly for journalists covering a divisive administration.

For Hegseth, the outburst risks further scrutiny of his tenure as Defense Secretary, already marred by controversies like the Signal chat leak. His attack on Griffin may alienate moderate viewers and colleagues, while reinforcing his image as a combative loyalist. For Hume, the moment solidified his legacy as a voice of reason, willing to challenge even those within his orbit.

A Moment of Reckoning

The clash between Brit Hume, Pete Hegseth, and Jennifer Griffin is more than a workplace spat—it’s a microcosm of America’s broader struggles with truth, loyalty, and media. Hume’s defense of Griffin, delivered with quiet conviction, reminded viewers of the value of professionalism in a time of hyper-partisanship. As the nation grapples with the fallout of Operation Midnight Hammer and the political divides it exposed, this moment on live television will be remembered as a testament to the power of standing up for what’s right, even when it’s uncomfortable.