NBC News is under fire—and rightfully so—after publishing a blatantly false and defamatory story suggesting that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was physically abusive to his ex-wife. The network’s report, authored by NBC correspondent Courtney Kube, relied on unfounded claims that were flatly denied by the very woman at the center of the smear: Hegseth’s second wife, Samantha Hegseth.

This disgraceful hit piece has sparked a storm of outrage from conservative leaders, legal analysts, and ordinary Americans alike, who are demanding accountability for what they view as politically motivated libel aimed at discrediting a respected public servant.

Let’s be clear: Pete Hegseth is not just a conservative voice. He’s a decorated veteran, a devoted father, and now the Secretary of Defense under a second Trump administration. That makes him a prime target for the left-wing media machine desperate to tear down anyone who dares to challenge their narrative.

NBC’s so-called “reporting” came crashing down when Samantha Hegseth released a forceful public statement denouncing the story.

“First and foremost, I have not and will not comment on my marriage to Pete Hegseth,” she wrote. “I do not have representatives speaking on my behalf, nor have I ever asked anyone to share or speak about the details of my marriage.”

More importantly, she shut down the abuse allegation once and for all: “There was no physical abuse in my marriage.” She also included her lawyer on the response, putting NBC on notice.

Despite having direct access to this statement, Kube and NBC proceeded with publishing the defamatory narrative anyway. That’s not journalism—it’s activism. And now, many believe NBC may be looking at serious legal consequences.

Arthur Schwartz, a longtime conservative strategist, called it what it is: “Amazing but unsurprising news: Courtney Kube, one of the NBC News ‘reporters’ behind the recent hit pieces on Pete Hegseth, is the subject of a complaint at NBC accusing her of making false claims of sexism & misogyny.”

Another commentator added, “It’s a really bad day for @ckubeNBC and @NBCNews as they now grapple with the fact that #CourtneyKube knowingly ran a false story nationally after being provided direct comment and facts from the very person the story was about. The liability for her and #NBC will be significant.”

Donald Trump Jr. didn’t mince words either. “After it was revealed that the reporter behind the Hegseth hit pieces is the subject of a complaint accusing her of making phony accusations of sexism & misogyny she did what all leftists do—she went into hiding and denial.”

Conservatives across the internet rallied to Hegseth’s defense, pointing out that this type of reckless reporting is nothing new from the mainstream media. One user nailed it: “Typical liberal playbook: when exposed for their own hypocrisy, they hide and deny. Can’t handle the truth coming back at them.”

This incident is bigger than one man. It highlights the deep rot in legacy media institutions that prioritize partisan attacks over truth. NBC didn’t just make a journalistic error—it attempted to destroy a man’s character and reputation for the sake of scoring political points.

It’s time Americans demand better—and that NBC be held to account.