A New York Times investigation into Jennifer Hegseth's unusually influential and unofficial role at the Pentagon has prompted several married Fox News-linked couples to publicly defend her, including Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and his wife Rachel Campos-Duffy, as well as Katie Miller. The report suggested Jennifer Hegseth acts as her husband Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's most trusted adviser and de facto producer, despite holding no formal position, which raises questions about transparency and the boundaries of spousal influence in government roles.

According to the Times, based on interviews with more than 20 current and former officials, Jennifer Hegseth has helped prepare her husband for public appearances, sat in on meetings with journalists and foreign officials, interviewed prospective staff and contributed ideas for Pentagon videos, including attending a sensitive meeting with British defence officials during a pause in US intelligence sharing. Defenders argue this mirrors normal political marriages, with Duffy and Campos-Duffy noting Jennifer Hegseth cannot access classified briefings or military decision-making, while Katie Miller dismissed the report as a "hit piece." Jennifer Hegseth was also recently named chair of the President's Military Spouse Commission, an unpaid advisory position.