Article continues below advertisementSecretary of Defense Pete Hegseth lashed out at CNN during a Pentagon press briefing on Friday morning, March 13, labeling the network's reporting as "fake news" and "fundamentally unserious."The combative defense secretary's comments were a disturbing departure from the typically apolitical statements provided to the press and public by the Pentagon.The former Fox News host has faced intense scrutiny for overturning Pentagon standards, pushing a highly partisan "America First" agenda, and politicizing military operations.