Trump’s Defense Secretary Nominee, Pete Hegseth, Known for Anti-Handwashing Stance, Once Sold ‘Tactical Soap’
Pete Hegseth, former Fox News host and military veteran tapped by President-elect Donald Trump for Secretary of Defense, sparked a social media frenzy after past comments about his handwashing habits resurfaced.
Hegseth previously joked in a 2019 Fox & Friends segment that he hadn’t washed his hands in a decade, saying, “Germs are not a real thing. I can’t see them, therefore, they’re not real.” He later clarified it was satire aimed at people overly concerned with germs. Still, the clip resurfaced this week, fueling fresh debate over Trump’s unconventional pick.
Irony of “Grenade Soap” Salesman Nominated for Defense
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2216172962068792
Adding to the irony, Hegseth’s past as a “tactical soap” promoter has come to light. In a Facebook ad from July, Hegseth praised the “One Man Army Grenade Soap,”
describing it as a high-quality, grenade-shaped bar made in the U.S. and noting his preference for the “Patriot” scent. “I travel a lot,” Hegseth said in the ad, “and I make sure to pack my favorite grenade soap. I love ’em because they love the country.”
The soap ad sparked humorous reactions online, with some calling it a ridiculous endorsement.
One X user, Art Candee, quipped, “Here’s Donald Trump’s new defense secretary, hawking grenade soap so you can join the ‘well-groomed militia.’” Another user, Christian Borys, pointed out the irony of a former soap salesman potentially overseeing the U.S. Armed Forces, adding, “Pretty cool that in this era of spiraling global wars, the man now overseeing all branches of the U.S. military used to sell grenade soap on a rope.”
Divided Reactions to Hegseth’s Appointment
Hegseth’s supporters, however, highlight his substantial military background, including service in Iraq and Afghanistan and two Bronze Stars. Still, mainstream Republicans responded with surprise, with Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) reportedly reacting with, “Who?” when hearing of Trump’s pick. Pentagon officials also expressed surprise, citing Hegseth’s limited defense policy experience.
While debate continues over Hegseth’s qualifications, some have joked that, if the role doesn’t work out, he can always return to his side gig selling “tactical” soap.
