Pete Hegseth/ Trump defense secretary nominee/ sexual assault allegations/ police report/ hotel incident/ SANTA CRUZ/ Calif./ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A police report details allegations against Pete Hegseth, Trump’s defense secretary nominee, claiming he sexually assaulted a woman in a California hotel in 2017. Hegseth denies the allegations, calling the encounter consensual. The case, investigated in 2017, did not result in charges. Hegseth’s lawyers acknowledge a financial settlement with the accuser in 2023 to prevent a potential lawsuit.
Pete Hegseth Allegations: Quick Looks
- The Allegations: A woman accused Hegseth of sexually assaulting her after a Republican event in 2017.
- Hegseth’s Denial: The nominee insists the encounter was consensual and denies any wrongdoing.
- Police Findings: Investigators recommended sending the case to prosecutors but no charges were filed.
- Settlement: Hegseth paid the accuser in 2023 to avoid a potential lawsuit, his lawyer confirmed.
- Context: The accusations arise as Hegseth faces Senate confirmation for defense secretary.
Police Report Details Sexual Assault Allegations Against Pete Hegseth
Deep Look
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for defense secretary and a prominent Fox News personality, faces renewed scrutiny over a police report detailing sexual assault allegations from 2017. The report, released late Wednesday, alleges that Hegseth trapped a woman in a California hotel room, took her phone, and refused to let her leave, leading to a non-consensual sexual encounter.
The accuser, whose identity remains confidential, told police she could not remember parts of the night and suspected her drink may have been spiked. Hegseth has denied any wrongdoing, claiming the encounter was consensual.
The Incident
The alleged assault occurred in October 2017 after Hegseth spoke at a Republican women’s event in Monterey, California. The accuser, a woman who helped organize the event, claimed that Hegseth acted inappropriately throughout the evening, including stroking the thighs of multiple women. She confronted him at an afterparty, criticizing his treatment of women.
Later, the woman said her memory became “fuzzy” after sharing a drink with Hegseth at the hotel bar. She recalled arguing with him by the pool before finding herself in a hotel room where she alleged he blocked the door and took her phone to prevent her from leaving.
The report states she remembered repeatedly saying “no” before losing consciousness. She later awoke to find Hegseth hovering over her, shirtless, with his dog tags dangling. Afterward, she said he asked if she was “OK” but she could not recall returning to her room.
Police Investigation
The woman reported the alleged assault five days later after confiding in her partner and seeking medical attention. Police documented her unwashed clothing and collected evidence. Investigators interviewed a nurse, hotel staff, and witnesses from the event.
A hotel employee corroborated the poolside argument, while a text from the woman to a friend described Hegseth as giving off a “creeper” vibe.
Police recommended sending the case to the district attorney’s office for review. However, no charges were filed.
Hegseth’s Defense
Hegseth, 44, denied the allegations, telling police that the woman led him to his hotel room and that their encounter was consensual. He claimed he repeatedly sought her consent during their interaction and noted that she appeared regretful the following morning.
According to the police report, Hegseth admitted to being “buzzed” but not intoxicated that evening.
Financial Settlement
Hegseth’s attorney confirmed that a financial settlement was reached with the accuser in 2023 to avoid a potential lawsuit. The settlement amount remains undisclosed. His legal team emphasized that the payment was not an admission of guilt but a strategic move to avoid damaging his career at Fox News, where he was a popular host at the time.
Background and Context
The allegations surface as Hegseth prepares for Senate confirmation hearings. Critics have raised concerns about his personal conduct, while his supporters point to the absence of criminal charges as evidence of his innocence.
Hegseth, a former National Guard major, has faced controversies in the past, including divorces linked to infidelity. His personal life and high-profile role at Fox News have drawn considerable attention.
What’s Next?
As the Senate considers Hegseth’s nomination, the renewed focus on these allegations could influence his confirmation prospects. The Trump transition team defended Hegseth, saying, “The report corroborates what Mr. Hegseth’s attorneys have said all along: the incident was fully investigated, and no charges were filed.”
However, the allegations remain a flashpoint in the broader debate over character and accountability for public officials.
