Trump’s Defense Secretary Pick Pete Hegseth Named In 2017 Sexual Assault Probe
by Ty Roush · ForbesTopline
Pete Hegseth, tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to be secretary of defense, was involved in an investigation by Monterey, California, police into an alleged sexual assault in 2017, though the Fox News host was not charged, according to city officials.
Key Facts
The city of Monterey released a statement late Thursday announcing an earlier investigation into an “alleged sexual assault” involving Hegseth, though the city did not name Hegseth as an alleged assailant and it is unclear what became of the probe.
The alleged incident took place on Oct. 8, 2017, at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa—where Hegseth reportedly spoke at a conference held by the California Federation of Republican Women—and was reported four days later, according to the city.
The victim’s age and name were not disclosed and no weapons were involved in the incident, according to Monterey police, which reported unspecified “contusions to right thigh.”
Timothy Parlatore, Hegseth’s attorney, told Forbes the incident was “fully investigated” and Hegseth was cleared of any wrongdoing.
Trump’s transition team, including incoming chief of staff Susie Wiles, discussed the allegations earlier on Thursday with Hegseth, who said the encounter was consensual and a case of “he-said, she-said,” Vanity Fair reported, citing two unnamed sources.
Crucial Quote
Steven Cheung, Trump’s communications director, said in a statement that Hegseth has “vigorously denied any and all allegations” and remains a “high-caliber and extremely qualified” nomination for secretary of defense.
Key Background
Trump tapped Hegseth as his nomination for secretary of defense earlier this week amid criticism from military officials and other Republicans. Hegseth joined the Army National Guard in 2003 and was deployed in Cuba, Afghanistan and Iraq during his service. He started working for Fox News in 2014 and is now the co-host of “Fox News & Friends,” and previously served as the chief executive of Concerned Veterans for America, a conservative group backed by billionaire Charles Koch. Hegseth successfully lobbied for presidential pardons from American military servicemembers facing prosecution for war crimes during Trump’s first term, and he has previously condemned the U.S. military’s promotion of diversity. In a podcast earlier this year, Hegseth said the U.S. “should not have women in combat roles” and reportedly said Gen. Charles Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, should be fired for “pursuing the radical positions of left-wing politicians.”