On January 20, 2025, the world witnessed the second inauguration of Donald Trump, a highly anticipated event that attracted significant media attention and public interest.
Among the notable moments was an unexpected incident involving Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host and Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense. This incident, which involved a skateboard, quickly became a topic of discussion across social media platforms and news outlets.
As the inauguration festivities unfolded, Pete Hegseth found himself in a rather embarrassing situation. During a moment meant to showcase his support for Trump and the new administration, Hegseth was reportedly struck by a skateboard.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the incident occurred while he was engaging with supporters and posing for photos outside the venue. The skateboard, which seemingly came out of nowhere, hit him in a rather sensitive area, leading to gasps from onlookers and laughter from those who witnessed the spectacle.
The skateboard incident quickly went viral on social media, with users sharing clips and memes related to Hegseth’s misfortune. Many took to Twitter to mock the situation, with comments ranging from light-hearted jokes to more pointed critiques of Hegseth’s political stance and his role in Trump’s administration.
The hashtag #SkateboardGate began trending as people expressed their amusement at the unexpected turn of events during such a high-profile occasion.
Information reads: “Trump’s Defense nominee Pete Hegseth accidentally flipped a skateboard into his nuts on live TV.”
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary, publicly faced senators for the first time after weeks of questions from Democrats — and praise from Republicans — about his “unconventional” resume.
Hegseth, a combat veteran and former TV news host, says he will be a “change agent” and a “warrior” as Republicans demand new and strong leadership at the Pentagon. Democrats say Hegseth’s lack of experience running a huge department, his past comments about women and Black troops, and allegations of excessive drinking and sexual misconduct make him unfit to serve.
Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., called Hegseth’s nomination “unconventional” but compared him to Trump, saying that may just be what makes him an “excellent choice.”
Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed, the committee’s top Democrat, said Hegseth lacks “the character and the competence” to lead the Defense Department. Reed said he has voted to confirm the nine previous defense secretaries, including in Trump’s first term, but will not support Hegseth.