Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth may be aligned on the war in Iran. However, their comments on one particular topic could put the two at odds.
Pete Hegseth, before serving as Secretary of War, was a “Fox & Friends” host who made some odd and uncalled-for comments about his personal hygiene. During an episode of the show, Hegseth said, “I don’t think I’ve washed my hands for 10 years.”
Hey @PeteHegseth, you really need to wash your hands, buddy. 😷 https://t.co/N2FvlZ11Ez
— Men’s Health Mag (@MensHealthMag) February 11, 2019
This was in 2019, before COVID-19 restrictions began globally. Hegseth later said the remark was largely satirical, clarifying what he meant. Speaking with USA Today, he said his commentary was that society had become overly reliant on sanitization. He added that people “sanitize 19,000 times a day as if that’s going to save their lives,” while noting that he takes care of himself but does not obsess over hygiene constantly.
In contrast, long before his presidential campaign was even a thought in anyone’s mind, Donald Trump discussed his hand-washing habits in his book The Art of the Comeback, saying, “I happen to be a clean-hands freak. I feel much better after I thoroughly wash my hands, which I do as much as possible.”
The contrast in their views on hygiene highlights a broader difference in personal habits, though there is no indication that it has affected policy or decision-making. Hegseth has also been publicly praised for being among the first to suggest that the United States could launch an assault on Iran in coordination with Israel.
Trump blames Hegseth for the war: “Pete, I think you were the first one to speak up. You said, ‘Let’s do it.'” pic.twitter.com/QBGeFuhM1M
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 23, 2026
The conflict has caused significant damage, and after four weeks, the United States and Israel have yet to achieve their stated objectives in the region. The crisis has also raised concerns about a wider escalation, with Iran targeting U.S. assets and energy infrastructure in neighboring countries.
Trump has repeatedly claimed that peace talks with Iran have advanced, while Iranian officials have said no such discussions have begun, let alone progressed toward a ceasefire. Energy authorities have warned of the consequences of a prolonged conflict, particularly as energy infrastructure continues to be targeted across the region.
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