Pete Hegseth, Trump’s Pentagon pick, was investigated for alleged sexual assault
Senior officials in Donald Trump’s transition team are reconsidering Pete Hegseth as the nominee for defense secretary following allegations of sexual assault. The revelations surfaced on Friday, November 15, 2024, stirring significant internal turmoil within the team.
The allegations stem from a 2017 incident reported to have occurred at a hotel in Monterey, California. According to a complaint shared with the transition team, Hegseth allegedly assaulted a woman after attending a Republican conference. The woman’s account was detailed by a close friend who later signed a nondisclosure agreement with Hegseth. Monterey police confirmed they investigated the allegation but stated it did not lead to criminal charges.
Tim Parlatore, Hegseth’s attorney, defended his client, claiming the allegations were investigated thoroughly and found to be baseless. He dismissed concerns of further revelations, stating, “There’s no reason to withdraw that I’m aware of.” Despite this, the transition team expressed frustration, citing a lack of proper vetting prior to Hegseth’s nomination.
The incident reportedly occurred between late-night hours on October 7, 2017, and early morning the next day at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa. The alleged victim filed the complaint five days later, on October 12. The police report noted a bruise on the complainant’s thigh but provided no further evidence. Details about the accuser’s identity remain confidential, and the media has refrained from naming her in accordance with privacy standards for alleged victims.
A Facebook post from the time confirms Hegseth’s presence at the conference. The post, made by Fresno Republican Women, highlighted his speech at the event. Shirley Mark, who led the California Federation of Republican Women then, acknowledged awareness of the allegation but declined to comment further.
Hegseth’s personal life has also come under scrutiny. Court records show he has been married three times, with his second marriage ending following his infidelity and fathering a child with a Fox News producer while still married. His second wife, Samantha, filed for divorce shortly after the child’s birth. Hegseth later married the producer, Jennifer Rauchet.
The controversy around Hegseth adds to the challenges Trump faces in securing confirmation for his Cabinet picks. Critics have raised concerns about Hegseth’s lack of experience for the defense secretary role, pointing to his background as a Fox News host and his vocal criticism of military policies under previous administrations. Hegseth gained attention during Trump’s first term for advocating presidential pardons for military personnel accused of war crimes, decisions that drew pushback from Pentagon officials.
Trump’s team began formal vetting for Hegseth after a call on November 7, during which Trump asked him to consider the role. The allegations have since overshadowed the process, with senior officials worrying about potential negative fallout.
Amid the turmoil, Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, issued a statement defending Hegseth, emphasizing that no charges were filed and expressing confidence in his confirmation. However, the unfolding controversy could lead to significant resistance in the Senate, where confirmation battles are expected to intensify.
This situation is not isolated. Another Trump pick, Matt Gaetz, tapped for attorney general, faces renewed scrutiny over past allegations of sexual misconduct. The Justice Department previously dropped an investigation into Gaetz involving a 17-year-old girl, but the House Ethics Committee was reportedly close to releasing a report on the matter before Gaetz’s recent resignation from Congress.
These controversies highlight broader concerns about Trump’s nominees and their potential impact on his administration. With scrutiny mounting, the president-elect’s choices are likely to face significant hurdles as they navigate confirmation processes.
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