‘I don’t wash my hands’: Hegseth's nose-wipe video sparks internet frenzy as old comment resurfaces

U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has found himself at the centre of another social media storm after a video from a military event in South Carolina spread widely online. The footage, recorded on August 10 during remarks about military readiness, shows Hegseth speaking outdoors at Joint Base Charleston, recently renamed Joint Base Lindsey Graham. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and other officials were also present. One moment in particular caught viewers’ attention. Hegseth wipes his nose with his hand before running that same hand through his hair. The brief gesture quickly became the focus of posts and jokes across X.