Trump’s Defense Nominee Pete Hegseth Faces 2017 Sexual Assault Allegation

Pete Hegseth, recently nominated by Donald Trump as Secretary of Defense, is facing renewed scrutiny after allegations of sexual assault from 2017 surfaced. The accusation stems from an incident in Monterey, California, where police investigated claims of bruising on a woman’s thigh. However, no charges were filed.

The shocking revelation comes as the Trump transition team deliberates on the future of the nomination. Hegseth, a Fox News host and former National Guard officer, was an unexpected pick for the role, given his lack of experience managing large organizations.

According to Monterey police, they investigated “an alleged sexual assault” at a hotel in early October 2017. Vanity Fair, which broke the story, reported that the Trump team was blindsided by the accusation.

Hegseth’s lawyer, Timothy Parlatore, dismissed the claims, stating, “The allegation was already investigated by the Monterey police department, and they found no evidence for it.”

Trump communications director Steven Cheung also defended the nominee, saying, “Hegseth has vigorously denied any and all accusations, and no charges were filed. 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.”

Challenges Ahead for Hegseth
The Senate confirmation hearings for Hegseth are expected to be contentious. Beyond the resurfaced sexual assault allegations, his inexperience and past controversies could dominate discussions. Hegseth previously lobbied Trump during his first term to pardon service members accused of war crimes, a move that drew widespread criticism.

Hegseth, 44, joined Fox News in 2014 and is currently a co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend and a host for Fox Nation. He served as an infantry officer in the National Guard, deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan.

The controversy surrounding Hegseth is unfolding alongside other contentious Trump picks, including Matt Gaetz for attorney general. Gaetz, a former congressman, has faced sexual misconduct allegations. Meanwhile, Trump himself has dealt with various legal issues, including being found liable for sexual abuse and defamation and convicted of financial wrongdoing related to hush money payments.

Personal Life Under Scrutiny
Hegseth’s personal life has also drawn attention. He has been married three times, with allegations of infidelity marking his first divorce in 2009. His second wife filed for divorce in September 2017, shortly after he fathered a child with a Fox News producer whom he later married.

The mounting controversies surrounding Hegseth are likely to fuel fierce debate as his nomination progresses. Critics question whether his lack of experience, combined with his controversial past, makes him suitable for leading the U.S. Department of Defense.