Trading in his media 'bad-boy' reputation for a full-fledged political partnership, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth now brings his wife virtually everywhere. 

Reports indicate Jennifer Hegseth has become his most influential adviser - interviewing prospective staff, shaping public appearances and department videos, and even sitting in on press interviews.

According to one insider who spoke to the New York Times, the 49-year-old remains ever-present at her husband's side for a specific reason: the Defense Secretary, who's repeatedly been accused of abusing alcohol in the past, counts on her to keep him out of trouble. 

The newspaper, which published its report on Wednesday, was informed by 20 current and former administration officials alongside sources close to Jennifer.

During a highly sensitive US and UK briefing on military intelligence sharing with Ukraine last year, British officials are said to have spoken only in broad terms because her presence made them feel uncomfortable.

It ultimately forced them to hold a smaller, more detailed follow-up meeting without Jennifer. 

The underlying reason for her constant presence traces back to concerns over the former Fox News host's past.

Having faced a challenging confirmation due largely to a history of drinking and repeated accusations of alcohol abuse, Hegseth reportedly relies heavily on his wife's supervision.

As one insider explained to the Times, he counts on her to keep him out of trouble at all times. 

Expecting a simple introductory conversation when Jennifer called him in, former Pentagon chief spokesman John Ullyot - who resigned after three months - was instead subjected to a 40-minute torrent of 'unexpectedly detailed and hard-edged questions.'

'It's bonkers that a defense secretary would involve his wife in his sensitive official duties, including sharing details of an impending military operation, and face zero consequences,' Ullyot told The Times, adding that any president 'deserves better judgment' from his leaders.

Joel Valdez, the DOD spokesman, compared Ullyot's actions to those of a 'crazy ex' while saying he had been 'exiled from the MAGA movement by Donald Trump Jr'

Lead Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell described Hegseth's wife as 'an accomplished leader in her own right and a devoted military spouse.'

'The Defense Department not only welcomes her current leadership but actively plans to involve her even more deeply in the future,' he said.

Hegseth said in an interview in 2024: 'My Jenny, my wife, Jennifer, changed my life, saved me, there's just no doubt about it. And without those two Js, I wouldn't be sitting here right now.'

The other 'J' Hegseth was referring to is Jesus.

Jennifer met her husband in 2016 when they both worked at Fox News and were both married to other people. 

They were wed in 2019.