Hegseth Denies Chewing Gum at Dignified Transfer, Faces Criticism

0:00This is Cory with the story, here with your quick two-minute entertainment update. The Pentagon has denied reports that Defense Secretary Pete Higgseth chewed gum during a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base on Wednesday, March 18. The event honored six fallen service members killed in a plane crash amid the conflict with Iran. Higgseth arrived alongside President Donald Trump, joint chiefs chairman General Dan Cain and House Speaker Mike Johnson, footage circulated online showing Higgseth appearing to choose something non-stop before the private service. Outlets like the Daily Beast highlighted it as a breach of military standards where chewing gum and uniform is typically banned for professional reasons. A Defense Department spokesperson called the reports inaccurate would not clarify what Higgseth might have been chewing instead. This comes amid growing questions over military protocols in the administration. Higgseth faces broader criticism, including a Pentagon probe into sharing classified details on the signal app, past allegations of misconduct, and drinking, and concerns about

1:05blending video game style with real combat footage from Iran operations. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro labeled him wildly incompetent. Higgseth brushes off the backlash as fake news noise, insisting his focus on warrior ethos over other approaches will help end the conflict decisively. As privately worried, he's more tuned to TV optics than strategy. D&N is brought to you by our sponsor. Your pillow, your podcast, your moment, made for listening in bed, S-O-L-I-SoliPillow.com