Hegseth Pushed 2 Downed F-15 Crew Into CBS Interview as 1 Pilot Refused
Updated
Updated · Yahoo! Voices · Sep 12
Hegseth Pushed 2 Downed F-15 Crew Into CBS Interview as 1 Pilot Refused
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo! Voices · Sep 12
Summary
Pete Hegseth and Pentagon political appointees pressed the two F-15 crew members shot down over Iran in April to join a Sunday “60 Minutes” segment, though both initially had reservations and one feared being ordered.
After the airmen objected, Hegseth privately told them participation was their choice; the crew member who evaded capture for more than a day agreed to appear, while the pilot declined.
Military officials and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine raised concerns that the report could expose classified rescue tactics while US forces are still fighting Iran, but appointees insisted the interview proceed.
The push reflects a broader effort by Hegseth’s office to shape public perception of an increasingly unpopular Iran war by highlighting a dramatic rescue mission as evidence of success.
CBS spent months chasing the exclusive, with editor in chief Bari Weiss and new “60 Minutes” leadership lobbying Hegseth directly as they sought a marquee report for the program’s September 13 season premiere.