Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth declined to hold a drink for Fox News host Jesse Watters during a state dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping, citing optics amid ongoing scrutiny over his alcohol use. Watters recounted the incident on Fox News program The Five, detailing high-profile interactions at the Washington gathering alongside tech executives including Apple CEO Tim Cook and Microsoft leadership.
Inside the State Dinner Guest List and Tech Executive Encounters
The high-security dinner brought together prominent media figures and titans of the technology sector. Watters shared details of his hotel stay and security check-in during the broadcast. He noted an encounter with Apple CEO Tim Cook, who mistook the Fox News host for colleague Tucker Carlson.
“I stayed at the same hotel as Tim Cook, the guy at Apple,” Watters said on The Five. “I see him and go, ‘Congratulations on all your success,’ and he shakes my hand and goes, ‘You, too, Tucker.'”
Watters also described running into Microsoft leadership during security screening, where an executive lamented entering their birthday incorrectly into the system. The evening’s guest roster further featured Jensen Huang, with whom Watters discussed fashion and dietary habits.
“I said, ‘We just did a thing on The Five where you always wear the same outfit so you don’t have to make a lot of decisions,'” Watters recounted. According to Watters, Huang replied that he eats the same lunch every day consisting of rolled-up pieces of ham and turkey to maximize efficiency while typing.
The Drink Interaction Involving Pete Hegseth
The conversation on The Five shifted toward the evening’s formal photo opportunities, leading to the exchange with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Watters admitted he approached the cabinet official to offload his beverage before stepping in front of the camera.
“So then, we go in there—this is kind of embarrassing—they want to take pictures. And I turn around, I said, ‘Hegseth, can you hold my drink because I don’t want to have a drink in a picture,'” Watters said.
According to the Fox News host, Hegseth refused the request directly, stating, “I can’t be seen holding a drink!” The refusal occurred as Hegseth faces continuous public scrutiny regarding his alcohol consumption habits under the second Trump administration.
Did You Know?
State dinners hosted at the White House or diplomatic venues traditionally convene cabinet officials, foreign dignitaries, and industry leaders to foster international relations and cross-sector dialogue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who refused to hold Jesse Watters’ drink?
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth refused to hold the drink during the state dinner.
Which tech executives did Jesse Watters mention meeting at the event?
Watters mentioned interacting with Apple CEO Tim Cook, Microsoft executives, and Jensen Huang.
Why did Pete Hegseth decline the request?
Hegseth stated he could not be seen holding a drink, amid ongoing public and media scrutiny concerning his alcohol use.
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