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A day after Donald Trump nominated Fox & Friends host Pete Hegseth as his choice for defense secretary, allegations of sexual assault surfaced, casting a shadow over the nomination. According to reports, Hegseth allegedly assaulted a woman in 2017, leading to a confidential settlement of $50,000. Despite denying the accusations and claiming it was consensual, the incident has sparked intense debate and scrutiny during his confirmation process. The investigation by Monterey police concluded without charges due to lack of evidence beyond reasonable doubt. Despite these controversies, Hegseth's nomination advanced with a narrow vote margin, setting the stage for further deliberation.

Allegations Surface Shortly After Nomination

Shortly after being named as the potential new defense secretary, Pete Hegseth faced serious allegations from a 2017 incident. Reports emerged alleging that Hegseth had sexually assaulted a woman on the night of October 7, 2017. According to the accuser, Hegseth took her phone, blocked the hotel door, and prevented her from leaving, resulting in bruises on her thigh. These claims were initially reported by Vanity Fair and later confirmed by the City of Monterey Police Department. Despite the detailed investigative report released in November 2024, no charges were filed due to insufficient evidence to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

The controversy escalated when it was revealed that Hegseth had reached a confidential settlement with the accuser for $50,000. This figure was included in Hegseth's written responses to Senator Elizabeth Warren during his senate confirmation hearings. Hegseth and his attorney Timothy Parlatore denied the allegations, claiming it was a consensual act and that the accuser initiated the encounter. Parlatore alleged that Hegseth became a target of blackmail and false claims during the height of the MeToo movement. In an effort to protect his family and career, Hegseth agreed to a settlement in December 2020, which he later admitted to on SiriusXM’s The Megyn Kelly Show, though he did not disclose the amount.

Nomination Advances Amidst Controversies and Scrutiny

Despite facing significant backlash and scrutiny over the sexual assault allegations, Pete Hegseth's nomination as defense secretary moved forward. During his confirmation hearing on January 14, Hegseth firmly denied the accusations, labeling them as "anonymous, false charges." His nomination faced strong opposition from Democratic senators and even some Republicans, including Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins. However, the nomination advanced with a close 51-49 vote, setting the stage for a final decision the following day.

In addition to the sexual assault allegations, Hegseth also faced questions regarding his past comments about women in the military and an accusation that he drunkenly chanted offensive remarks at a work event. Another allegation involved bringing colleagues to a strip club. Despite these controversies, Hegseth defended his actions and emphasized his commitment to protecting his family and job. The narrow vote margin underscores the deep divisions within the Senate and highlights the ongoing debates surrounding Hegseth's suitability for one of the most critical roles in U.S. national security. The final confirmation vote is expected to be closely watched, with far-reaching implications for the Pentagon and the U.S. Armed Forces.