David Frum, a former speechwriter for President George W. Bush and a current staff writer for The Atlantic, stirred up controversy on the “Morning Joe” show on MSNBC on December 4. His comments were in relation to Fox News host Pete Hegseth’s alleged drinking problem.
While discussing President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Hegseth for the role of Secretary of Defense, Frum jokingly remarked, “If you’re too drunk for Fox News, you’re very, very drunk indeed.”
Mika Brzezinski, the co-host, quickly addressed the comment made by Frum, which most viewers interpreted as an apology. Brzezinski was aiming to defuse the situation while maintaining the show’s credibility. “Before we go to break, a little earlier in this block, there was a comment made about Fox News in our coverage about Pete Hegseth and the growing number of allegations about his behavior over the years and possible addiction to alcohol or issues with alcohol,” Brzezinski stated. She clarified that the comment was flippant, that the network has differences in coverage with Fox News, and it’s good to have a debate, but that there are a lot of good people who work at Fox News who care about Pete Hegseth, as she tried to diffuse the presentation.
Frum’s comment drew a connection between Hegseth’s nomination and the unsuccessful 1989 nomination of John Tower for Secretary of Defense, which was brought down by allegations of inappropriate behavior and alcohol abuse. Frum’s remarks were meant to highlight the scrutiny that political appointees face, but they ended up reigniting the long-standing tensions between MSNBC and Fox News, two networks often at odds with their reporting and commentary.
In a subsequent article for The Atlantic, Frum reflected on the backlash, describing it as “unsettling” and voiced concerns about a “chill of intimidation” in public discourse. He referred to NBC News reporting, which included anonymous allegations from current and former Fox News employees about concerns over Hegseth’s behavior. Frum’s defense underscored the increasingly difficult environment for political commentary, where even frank remarks can lead to widespread backlash and possible career consequences.
This incident unfolded in the midst of ongoing criticism of “Morning Joe” hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski. They have recently been scrutinized for their decision to meet with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. The meeting, according to the hosts, was an attempt to bridge political divides, but it received criticism from both sides, with critics questioning the integrity of their journalism.
The controversy also spotlighted Pete Hegseth, whose nomination as Secretary of Defense has faced scrutiny due to his lack of traditional qualifications and public controversies. Hegseth, known for his outspoken conservative views and confrontational style on Fox News, has been a divisive figure.
Throughout his career, allegations of unprofessional behavior and infidelity have followed him, including a widely publicized incident where he admitted on live television that he does not wash his hands after using the restroom—a comment that garnered significant public mockery.
MSNBC defended Brzezinski’s response and invited Frum back to “Morning Joe” for further discussion, highlighting the network’s commitment to open dialogue. However, the incident raised broader questions about the role of cable news networks in promoting constructive political discourse.
This is not the first time that Frum has been embroiled in controversy. A leading neoconservative voice, he has frequently attracted criticism for his cutting critiques of both the Republican Party and progressive politics. His 2010 departure from the American Enterprise Institute followed a contentious blog post in which he accused Republicans of mishandling opposition to the Affordable Care Act. Similarly, his critiques of the Trump administration have led to strained relationships within conservative circles. This incident with Frum underscores the complexities of navigating the media landscape in polarized times.
