Pete Hegseth sexual assault/ Hegseth Defense Secretary nomination/ Trump Defense pick/ Hegseth military policy/ Pete Hegseth controversy/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, faces renewed attention over a 2017 sexual assault allegation during a Republican women’s event in Monterey, California. No charges were filed, and Hegseth denies the accusations. Known for his conservative views and military advocacy, Hegseth’s nomination aligns with Trump’s “America First” policies but raises concerns over his controversial past.
Pete Hegseth Nomination: Quick Looks
- Allegation: Accused of sexual assault in 2017 at a GOP women’s event; no charges were filed.
- Response: Hegseth and his attorney have denied the claims, calling them “completely false.”
- Monterey Police Investigation: Reported bruising but withheld further details, citing public records law.
- Personal Background: Two prior divorces involving infidelity; now married to a former Fox News producer.
- Conservative Platform: Advocates for a “more lethal” military and opposes women in combat roles.
Trump’s Defense Pick Pete Hegseth Was Accused of Sexual Assault in 2017
Deep Look
President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense is drawing attention, not only for his staunch conservative views but also for a 2017 sexual assault allegation. While no charges were filed, the resurfacing of the case has raised questions about Hegseth’s suitability for the top Pentagon role.
The Allegation and Investigation
According to a statement from the city of Monterey, California, Hegseth was accused of sexually assaulting an individual during a Republican women’s event at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in October 2017. Police were contacted days later, and the accuser, whose identity remains undisclosed, reported bruising on their right thigh but no use of weapons in the alleged incident.
The police investigated but found no evidence to support charges, Hegseth’s attorney, Timothy Parlatore, told the Associated Press.
“This was investigated by the police at the time and they found no evidence,” Parlatore said.
City officials withheld further details from the police report, citing exemptions under California’s public records law.
The allegations, first reported by Vanity Fair, come as Hegseth prepares for what could be a contentious Senate confirmation process.
Personal and Professional Background
At the time of the alleged assault, Hegseth, now 44, was navigating personal turmoil, including a divorce from his second wife after having a child with a Fox News producer, who is now his wife. His first marriage also ended in divorce due to infidelity.
Hegseth’s personal life has frequently intersected with his public persona, particularly during his tenure as a Fox News host and staunch advocate of Trump’s policies.
Hegseth’s Military Vision
Hegseth has long been a vocal proponent of strengthening the U.S. military. As a staunch conservative, he has advocated for increased military “lethality” and has been critical of policies allowing women to serve in combat roles. During an appearance on The Shawn Ryan Show podcast, Hegseth argued,
“Everything about men and women serving together makes the situation more complicated, and complication in combat … means casualties are worse.”
Hegseth has also urged Trump to pardon service members accused of war crimes, aligning with the president-elect’s commitment to prioritizing America’s military might.
Trump’s Defense of Hegseth
Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump’s transition team, defended the nomination, stating:
“Mr. Hegseth has vigorously denied any and all accusations, and no charges were filed. We look forward to his confirmation as Secretary of Defense.”
Hegseth, a close ally of Trump, has been a prominent advocate for “America First” policies and was previously considered for roles during Trump’s first administration.
Confirmation Outlook
Hegseth’s nomination comes at a time when public scrutiny of political appointees is heightened. While his military-focused platform may resonate with Republican lawmakers, the resurfacing of the 2017 allegations and his controversial comments on gender roles in the military could complicate his path to confirmation.
