N🟁N

Pete Hegseth airs media coverage grievances towards CNN and others | CNN Politics

The URL provided, "https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/26/politics/video/hegseth-he-said-we-said-digvid", leads to a video segment on CNN's website. The video features a discussion between CNN anchor Jake Tapper and Fox News host Pete Hegseth, focusing on a recent controversial statement made by Hegseth. The segment is part of CNN's ongoing series, "He Said, We Said," which aims to fact-check and provide context to statements made by public figures, particularly those from conservative media outlets.

In the video, Jake Tapper introduces the segment by highlighting the importance of holding public figures accountable for their words, especially when those words can influence public opinion and policy. He then transitions to the specific statement made by Pete Hegseth during a recent Fox News broadcast. Hegseth had claimed that "the left is trying to destroy America's foundational values," a statement that has sparked significant debate and criticism.

Tapper plays a clip of Hegseth's original statement, where Hegseth argues that progressive policies and ideologies are undermining traditional American values such as freedom, individualism, and the rule of law. Hegseth cites examples such as the push for social justice reforms, the reevaluation of historical figures, and the perceived erosion of free speech as evidence of this alleged attack on America's foundations.

Following the clip, Tapper invites Hegseth onto the show to discuss his statement and provide further context. Hegseth reiterates his belief that progressive movements are detrimental to American values but acknowledges that his language may have been inflammatory. He clarifies that his intention was not to demonize all left-leaning individuals but to critique specific policies and ideologies that he believes are harmful.

Tapper then challenges Hegseth's assertions, pointing out that many of the values Hegseth claims are under attack are, in fact, being upheld and even strengthened by progressive movements. For example, Tapper argues that social justice reforms aim to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all Americans, which aligns with the foundational value of equality. He also notes that the reevaluation of historical figures is part of a broader effort to understand history more accurately and inclusively, rather than an attempt to destroy it.

The discussion becomes heated as Hegseth defends his position, arguing that the methods used by progressives, such as cancel culture and the suppression of dissenting voices, are antithetical to American values. Tapper counters by highlighting instances where conservative voices have been amplified and protected, suggesting that the narrative of suppression is overstated.

To provide a more comprehensive analysis, CNN's fact-checking team, led by Daniel Dale, joins the segment. Dale presents a detailed breakdown of Hegseth's claims, examining the evidence and context behind each point. He concludes that while Hegseth's concerns about certain progressive policies are valid, the overarching narrative of a deliberate attempt to destroy American values is not supported by the facts.

Dale's fact-check includes several key points:

Social Justice Reforms: Dale explains that social justice reforms, such as those aimed at addressing systemic racism and inequality, are intended to uphold the American value of equality. He cites examples of successful reforms that have led to more equitable outcomes in education, healthcare, and criminal justice.

Reevaluation of Historical Figures: Dale notes that the reevaluation of historical figures is a common practice in academia and society, aimed at understanding history more fully. He argues that this process does not equate to destroying American values but rather to enriching our understanding of them.

Free Speech and Cancel Culture: Dale acknowledges that there have been instances of cancel culture affecting individuals' livelihoods and reputations. However, he points out that these instances are often exaggerated and that free speech remains robustly protected in the United States. He also highlights cases where conservative voices have been given significant platforms and protections.

Individualism and the Rule of Law: Dale argues that progressive policies often aim to protect individual rights and uphold the rule of law, contrary to Hegseth's claims. He cites examples of progressive legislation that has strengthened individual protections and ensured fair legal processes.

Throughout the segment, Tapper and Hegseth engage in a back-and-forth, with Tapper pressing for more specific examples and evidence to support Hegseth's claims. Hegseth provides some examples, such as the removal of statues and the push for diversity quotas, but Tapper counters by explaining the broader context and intentions behind these actions.

The segment concludes with Tapper summarizing the key points of the discussion and emphasizing the importance of nuanced and fact-based discourse. He encourages viewers to consider multiple perspectives and to engage with the facts presented by CNN's fact-checking team.

Overall, the video segment serves as a microcosm of the broader political and cultural debates occurring in the United States. It highlights the challenges of navigating complex issues in a polarized media landscape and underscores the importance of fact-checking and context in public discourse. The discussion between Tapper and Hegseth, along with the fact-checking provided by Daniel Dale, offers viewers a comprehensive look at the claims made by Hegseth and the broader implications of those claims for American society.

In summary, the video segment on CNN's website delves into a controversial statement made by Fox News host Pete Hegseth, who claimed that "the left is trying to destroy America's foundational values." Through a detailed discussion between CNN anchor Jake Tapper and Hegseth, followed by a thorough fact-check by CNN's Daniel Dale, the segment examines the validity of Hegseth's claims and provides context to the broader debate over American values and progressive policies. The segment underscores the importance of fact-based discourse and the need for nuanced understanding in addressing complex political and cultural issues.

Read the Full CNN Article at:
[ https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/26/politics/video/hegseth-he-said-we-said-digvid ]