Fox News personality Pete Hegseth, a prominent supporter of Donald Trump, has become the subject of intense scrutiny and mockery after making an astonishing historical blunder during a prime-time broadcast.
The Revolutionary War That Never Was
During a discussion about the American Revolution, Hegseth made the jaw-dropping claim that battles were fought "in 1917" - a full 141 years after the actual Declaration of Independence in 1776.
The controversial host, known for his hardline conservative views, stated: "I would say the last time people were locked and loaded like this was in 1917, our founding generation." This remarkable confusion of centuries left viewers and historians alike stunned.
Immediate Backlash and Fact-Checking
Social media platforms erupted with criticism as users quickly pointed out the multiple historical inaccuracies in Hegseth's statement:
- The American Revolution concluded in 1783, not 1917
- The "founding generation" had been dead for nearly a century by 1917
- 1917 actually marks America's entry into World War I
Media watchdog group Media Matters described the error as "spectacularly wrong," while historians took to various platforms to correct the record.
A Pattern of Controversial Statements
This isn't the first time Hegseth has faced criticism for his historical knowledge. The former military officer and frequent Trump defender has previously made questionable claims about:
- Civil War chronology
- Military strategy discussions
- Historical context in political debates
Journalist Jon Goldberg, who first highlighted the gaffe, noted that such errors from influential media figures could contribute to public misunderstanding of basic historical facts.
Broader Implications for Media Credibility
The incident raises serious questions about the historical literacy of some television personalities and their responsibility to accurately inform viewers. As one media analyst commented, "When trusted news sources get basic facts wrong, it undermines public understanding of our nation's history."
Fox News has yet to issue any correction or statement regarding Hegseth's historical misstatement, leaving the error uncorrected for the network's substantial audience.
