Fox News host Pete Hegseth has ignited a firestorm of criticism following a spectacularly misinformed on-air declaration that Puerto Rico is not part of the United States.
The controversial remark was made during a segment on Fox & Friends discussing the Caribbean island's ongoing recovery efforts from natural disasters. Hegseth, a frequent commentator known for his staunch conservative views, asserted: "They’re not part of the United States, as we know."
Immediate Backlash and Fact-Checking
The statement was factually incorrect and was met with immediate outrage. Puerto Rico has been a US territory since 1897, and its residents have been American citizens since 1917. While they cannot vote in presidential elections, they are subject to US federal laws and serve in the US military.
Social media platforms erupted with condemnation, with users and political figures alike quick to correct the broadcaster's glaring error. The gaffe was seen as emblematic of a deeper lack of understanding regarding US territories and their citizens.
Official Condemnation from Puerto Rico
The backlash was not confined to social media. Officials from Puerto Rico were swift to respond, expressing their profound disappointment and frustration. The incident was labelled as deeply offensive and dismissive of the island's contributions and its legal status.
This is not the first time a Fox News personality has been accused of downplaying or misrepresenting crises in Puerto Rico, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, which caused catastrophic damage and loss of life on the island.
A Pattern of Controversy
Hegseth, a former Trump administration official, is no stranger to provocative statements. However, this latest incident has been branded as particularly damaging, perpetuating misinformation about the legal and political standing of millions of American citizens.
The segment has raised serious questions about media responsibility and the accuracy of information presented on major news networks, especially concerning non-state territories.
