President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, reportedly paid a settlement to a woman who accused him of sexual assault in an incident dating back to October 2017. Hegseth denies the allegations, claiming the encounter in Monterey, California, was consensual, according to his attorney.
Local authorities confirmed that an investigation into “an alleged sexual assault” involving Hegseth took place, but no charges were filed, and the full police report remains confidential. The incident allegedly occurred during the early hours of October 8, 2017, at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa, where Hegseth was attending a conference hosted by the California Federation of Republican Women.
The alleged victim reported the incident days later, citing injuries described as “contusions to the right thigh.” However, no weapons were involved. In 2020, Hegseth reached a settlement with the woman, including a confidentiality clause. According to his attorney, the settlement was made to avoid potential fallout during the #MeToo movement, as Hegseth feared losing his role as a Fox News host at the time.
While Hegseth has not been charged or named in any civil lawsuit, the accusations have raised questions about his suitability for the role. Trump’s announcement of Hegseth’s nomination surprised Pentagon officials and some of the president-elect’s allies, given Hegseth’s lack of senior military or public office experience.
The president-elect’s team has defended Hegseth, with a spokesperson stating that the nominee “vigorously denies any and all accusations” and emphasizing that no charges were filed. Supporters maintain that Hegseth is qualified to lead the Department of Defense and will focus on enhancing national security.
Critics, however, argue that the allegations and settlement, combined with his limited experience, could complicate his confirmation process. This development has sparked renewed discussions about the accountability and scrutiny of high-profile nominees in public service.