Pete Hegseth/ Trump defense secretary/ sexual assault allegation/ settlement details/ Pentagon pick scrutiny/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s nominee for defense secretary, is under scrutiny after revelations of a 2017 sexual assault allegation and a subsequent confidential settlement. Hegseth denies wrongdoing, calling the encounter consensual, while his lawyer alleges the settlement was made to avoid a baseless lawsuit. Trump’s transition team continues to back his nomination.
Hegseth Faces Scrutiny Over Past Allegation and Settlement as Trump’s Pentagon Pick
Key Points:
- Allegation Details: A 2017 accusation of sexual assault followed a speaking event in Monterey, California. No charges were filed.
- Settlement Made: Hegseth’s lawyer confirmed a payment to the accuser to avoid a lawsuit, calling the claim “extortion.”
- Personal Controversy: The incident occurred during a tumultuous period in Hegseth’s personal life, including divorce proceedings.
- Trump’s Support: The president-elect’s transition team defends Hegseth, citing his qualifications and dismissing the allegations.
Trump’s Defense Pick Paid Woman After Sex Assault Allegation
Deep Look: Allegation and Settlement Shadow Hegseth’s Pentagon Nomination
A 2017 Allegation Resurfaces
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for secretary of defense, faces renewed scrutiny after details of a 2017 sexual assault allegation and confidential settlement surfaced. The incident, reported after Hegseth spoke at a Republican women’s event in Monterey, California, did not lead to criminal charges.
Hegseth’s lawyer, Timothy Parlatore, described the encounter as consensual and accused the accuser of attempting blackmail. “This was a case of successful extortion,” Parlatore said, emphasizing that the settlement was a strategic move to avoid reputational harm.
The financial settlement was reached a few years after the police investigation concluded. While the settlement amount remains undisclosed, Parlatore claimed it was intended to preempt a lawsuit that could have jeopardized Hegseth’s role as a Fox News host.
Incident Timeline
The alleged assault took place between late October 7 and early October 8, 2017. The city of Monterey released a statement confirming that the accuser reported bruises but withheld further details, citing state public records law exemptions.
Hegseth was in Monterey to deliver a keynote address at the California Federation of Republican Women’s biennial convention. Social media posts from the time confirm his presence at the event.
Complicated Personal History
At the time of the incident, Hegseth was embroiled in personal turmoil, including a divorce from his second wife, with whom he shares three children. Court records reveal infidelity during both of Hegseth’s prior marriages, and he later married a Fox News producer with whom he had a child.
This personal history has drawn additional scrutiny as Hegseth prepares for Senate confirmation hearings.
Trump Transition Team’s Defense
Steven Cheung, Trump’s transition team spokesperson and newly named White House communications director, dismissed the allegations as unfounded.
“Mr. Hegseth has vigorously denied any and all accusations, and no charges were filed,” Cheung said in a statement. “We look forward to his confirmation as United States Secretary of Defense so he can get started on Day One to Make America Safe and Great Again.”
Mixed Reactions to Nomination
Hegseth’s nomination has drawn support from Trump loyalists, who highlight his military background and alignment with Trump’s vision for the Pentagon. However, critics argue that the allegations and settlement raise ethical questions about his suitability for the role.
National security experts have also expressed concerns about potential distractions arising from Hegseth’s personal controversies.
Looking Ahead
As Hegseth’s confirmation process looms, the 2017 allegations are likely to feature prominently in Senate hearings. While Trump’s team remains steadfast in its support, the controversy underscores the challenges of vetting candidates with high-profile public and personal histories.
