GOP Rallies Around Pete Hegseth as Matt Gaetz Withdraws

GOP Rallies Around Pete Hegseth as Matt Gaetz Withdraws \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ President-elect Donald Trump’s Pentagon nominee, Pete Hegseth, faces renewed scrutiny over allegations of sexual misconduct from 2017. Despite the controversy, Republican senators largely rallied around Hegseth, dismissing the claims as unfounded. Meanwhile, Trump ally Matt Gaetz withdrew his nomination for attorney general amid mounting pressure over separate sexual misconduct allegations. As Trump’s transition team pushes for quick confirmations, questions persist about the vetting process for Cabinet picks.

Pete Hegseth’s Nomination: Key Points

• Allegations: A woman accused Hegseth of sexually assaulting her in 2017 during an event in California.
• Confidential Settlement: Hegseth paid the accuser in 2023 to avoid a lawsuit, maintaining the claims were baseless.
• GOP Response: Senate Republicans have largely backed Hegseth, emphasizing the lack of formal charges.
• Gaetz Withdrawal: Matt Gaetz stepped aside as attorney general nominee amid unrelated misconduct allegations.
• Confirmation Process: Democrats and some Republicans stress the need for thorough vetting of Trump’s nominees.

Deep Look

President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet nomination process is under intense scrutiny as two of his picks face allegations of sexual misconduct. While Matt Gaetz withdrew his name for attorney general, Pete Hegseth, Trump’s choice to lead the Department of Defense, is pressing forward despite renewed attention on claims that he sexually assaulted a woman in 2017.

Pete Hegseth: Allegations and GOP Support

Hegseth, a former Fox News host and Army veteran, has denied allegations that he assaulted a woman during an event in California. A detailed 22-page police report, released this week, described the woman’s claim that Hegseth blocked her exit from a hotel room, took her phone, and sexually assaulted her. Witness statements from the accuser, a nurse who treated her, and hotel staff were included in the report.

Despite these allegations, no charges were filed. Hegseth’s lawyer, Timothy Palatore, argued that the investigation cleared Hegseth of wrongdoing. In 2023, Hegseth paid the woman a confidential settlement, which Palatore said was intended to avoid a protracted legal battle over a “baseless” lawsuit.

Hegseth defended his position after private meetings with Republican senators and Vice President-elect JD Vance, stating, “The matter was fully investigated, and I was completely cleared.”

Republican Reaction

Republican senators have largely rallied behind Hegseth, framing the allegations as politically motivated.

• Sen. Roger Wicker (Miss.): Downplayed the claims, citing the lack of charges and calling press reports the only source of information.
• Sen. Bill Hagerty (Tenn.): Described the allegations as a “he-said, she-said” situation and expressed frustration over the scrutiny.
• Sen. John Barrasso (Wyo.): Praised Hegseth for pledging to focus on military strength and abandoning “woke political agendas.”

Some Republicans acknowledged broader concerns about the vetting process for Trump’s nominees. Sen. Mike Rounds (S.D.) emphasized the Senate’s role in evaluating candidates, stating, “The president has the right to make nominations, but the Senate has a responsibility for advice and consent.”

Matt Gaetz: Withdrawal Amid Pressure

In contrast to Hegseth, Matt Gaetz withdrew his nomination for attorney general after mounting pressure over past misconduct allegations. Gaetz, a former Florida congressman, faced an ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation and claims from two women who said he paid them for sex, including one who alleged she saw him with a 17-year-old girl.

Several Republican senators expressed relief at Gaetz’s withdrawal. Sen. Susan Collins (Maine) said his decision to step aside “put country first,” while Sen. Thom Tillis (N.C.) called it a necessary move given the circumstances.

Broader Implications for the Transition

The controversies surrounding Hegseth and Gaetz highlight broader concerns about Trump’s approach to Cabinet appointments. Critics argue that the transition team’s reluctance to conduct thorough vetting could lead to long-term political and operational challenges.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Jack Reed (D-R.I.) stressed the importance of FBI background checks, particularly given the allegations against Hegseth. “These reports underscore the need for a comprehensive investigation into all nominees,” Reed said.

Despite these concerns, Trump has urged Senate Republicans to expedite confirmations once they take office in January. The GOP holds a narrow majority, meaning that only four defections could derail a nominee if Democrats remain united in opposition.

Challenges Ahead for Hegseth

If confirmed, Hegseth would lead the Department of Defense, an institution grappling with complex challenges, including persistent issues of sexual assault among service members. The Pentagon has reported some progress in reducing incidents of assault, but critics argue that leadership must address systemic issues to create lasting change.

Hegseth has pledged to focus on strengthening the military and enhancing national security, aligning closely with Trump’s priorities. However, questions about his experience and the unresolved allegations may continue to cloud his nomination.

Looking Ahead

The controversies surrounding Trump’s nominees underscore the challenges of balancing loyalty to the president-elect with public accountability. As the Senate prepares to evaluate a slate of controversial picks, Republicans face the delicate task of navigating Trump’s demands while upholding their constitutional responsibilities.

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