Anti-Trump Fox Reporter’s Hit Piece Crashes And Burns: ‘Better Luck Next Time’

A Democrat-driven hit job against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth quickly fell apart after a report revealed that the Army, not Hegseth, was responsible for $137,000 in home repairs and renovations that had set off a wave of media outrage.

Fox News national security correspondent Jennifer Griffin jumped on the controversy, amplifying a letter from Democrats on the House Appropriations Committee questioning why Hegseth’s military housing at Fort McNair required an “emergency” $49,900 paint job. Griffin’s post echoed Bloomberg journalist Anthony Capaccio, who initially pushed the story, fueling claims of government waste and preferential treatment.

But it didn’t take long for the facts to unravel.

Dems on House Appropriations Committee ask why Sec Hegseth needs $137,297 for home repairs/paint for government residence, in light of DOGE efforts to save tax payer money? Letter below: https://t.co/XdbOTBeRJ5 pic.twitter.com/KDVV3uffYf

— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) February 7, 2025

Hegseth himself fired back at Griffin, exposing the media’s rush to judgment. “Hey @JenGriffinFNC, looks like @AP did your reporting for you. Better luck next time!” he posted on X, attaching an AP report debunking the allegations.

According to the Associated Press, a U.S. official familiar with the work order confirmed that the Army — not Hegseth — had authorized the repairs after the home had sat vacant for a year and needed security upgrades. The renovations included structural updates and repainting to ensure the century-old property met current safety standards.

The controversy erupted when congressional Democrats, led by Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and Rose DeLauro (D-CT), demanded answers about the spending, suggesting it violated the administration’s supposed focus on fiscal restraint. Their letter, which was widely circulated online, pressed Hegseth to justify why he required government housing and to disclose if he would be reimbursing taxpayers for the upgrades.

Hey @JenGriffinFNC, looks like @AP did your reporting for you. Better luck next time! https://t.co/JglrhfO2SN pic.twitter.com/F3YBlZEsc4

— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) February 12, 2025

Schultz voiced her concern over the housing upgrades in a statement to the AP. She claimed that Hegseth “certainly should know what his preferred residence will cost our taxpayers. If he wants hardworking Americans to cover that expense, it’s rank hypocrisy. He and the president can’t preach to our families that they must go without vital funds and services, then not practice it themselves.”

“We look forward to the Secretary’s answers to all our housing and rental cost questions and welcome a firm commitment to help service members who live with mold and rodents to get the same, swift housing treatment that he did,” said Schultz.

However, as quickly as the left-wing narrative spread, it collapsed under scrutiny.

An official who spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity explained that the Army assigned Hegseth the residence at Fort McNair based on availability. Hegseth did not request the repairs, some of which are necessary to enhance security for the defense secretary, who is sixth in the line of succession.

The Army confirmed in a statement that they conduct regular maintenance and repairs on all residences as tenants change to ensure they meet occupancy standards. This applies universally across all ranks and positions. “Historic homes typically have higher costs due to their size and the intricate details associated with the era they were constructed,” the statement noted.

The Democrat outrage over the renovation costs comes off as particularly rich, given their silence on far larger examples of government waste. During the Biden administration, former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg was caught taking military jets for domestic travel. Similarly, former Vice President Kamala Harris’ office spent millions on luxury hotel stays and international travel expenses.